It’s been since 2014 — Gregg Berhalter’s first year in charge — that Columbus Crew SC has entered the preseason without a starting goalkeeper.
That season, Homegrown Matt Lampson and newcomer Steve Clark, a veteran of 94 appearances for Norway’s Hønefoss BK, battled for the starting spot between the pipes. Clark won the battle and started 100 games for the Black & Gold over three seasons.
Following 2016, Crew SC did not pick up the option on Clark, meaning the club was looking for a new starting netminder.
Remaining on the roster is Brad Stuver, who played his first two Major League Soccer matches in the final two games of the regular season last year.