The Columbus Crew had a stated goal in 2020. After a year of struggles and missing the playoffs in 2019, head coach Caleb Porter and his team believed the group was strong enough to compete for a championship. Despite adversity off the field, the Crew achieved that goal, winning the club’s second MLS Cup title last December.
Now the battle to repeat as champions in 2021 begins and it won’t be easy. For one reason or another winning consecutive MLS Cups is a struggle for nearly every team that has attempted it. That’s why it’s only been done three times in the league’s 25 years of existence.