Columbus Crew SC is set to enter the final stage of its preparation for the upcoming 2019 Major League Soccer season as the team is currently in Charleston, South Carolina, to take part in the Carolina Challenge Cup. Even though the Black & Gold were able to keep almost the entirety of their roster from last season intact, preseason is often when starting spots are won and lost and with a new head coach in town, competition sets the tone of the team’s preparation so far.
According to first-year head coach Caleb Porter, the high level of competitiveness displayed over the first weeks of training has left him with some decisions to make regarding the starting lineup for the season opener against the New York Red Bulls on March 2 at MAPFRE Stadium.