The Columbus Crew just completed what was the strangest seasons in Major League Soccer history, due to COVID-19 delays, mid-season tournaments and a compressed end-of-season schedule that was unprecedented. The Black & Gold returned to the MLS Cup playoffs with a 12-6-5 record that saw the team finish in third place in the Eastern Conference.
On Wednesday, a number of the Crew players that helped Columbus return to the postseason were recognized as finalists for MLS individual awards. Playmaker Lucas Zelarayan is up for the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award. Center back Jonathan Mensah is a candidate for the league’s Defender of the Year honor.