The Columbus Crew’s Carolina Challenge Cup run is over. In the first match, a lineup of mostly starting-level players fought back from a deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Inter Miami. Charlotte FC held, and tackled, their way to a 0-0 draw before the Crew’s offense came alive in a 3-0 win against the Charleston Battery.
While winning is always fun, head coach Caleb Porter wasn’t overly concerned about adding a fifth Carolina Challenge Cup trophy to the case. The preseason focus was on staying healthy and preparing for the Major League Soccer regular season.