The Columbus Crew continued preseason preparation in the team’s second match of the Carolina Challenge Cup against Major League Soccer expansion side Charlotte FC. The Black & Gold’s goal of the preseason was to remain healthy, with the MLS regular season approaching. What transpired was an unexpected friendly that ended with four Charlotte yellow cards and a fight pushed to the sidelines that made a 0-0 scoreline much more dramatic.
Crew head coach Caleb Porter opted for a different lineup than supporters will likely see for Feb. 26’s season opener against the Vancouver Whitecaps.