After winning the preseason tournament last year, the Black & Gold returned to Charleston in preparation for the 2018 Major League Soccer season. Once again, Crew SC is handling business at the Challenge Cup, moving to 2-0 this year in the tournament with a 2-1 win over host-side Charleston Battery.
Columbus began the game with a mixed lineup of starters, reserves, Academy product and players looking to make this year’s team. Zack Steffen began in goal with Connor Maloney, Jonathan Mensah, youth product Aboubacar Keita and Hector Jimenez in front of him.