The Columbus Crew ended last season in fifth position in the Eastern Conference.
They made the semi-finals, losing narrowly to the New York Red Bulls, the Supporters’ Shield winners and the team that broke the record for the most points in a regular season, and were not all that far away from an unlikely MLS Cup trophy.
That is not a season to be scoffed at whatsoever. Although it always disappointing to ultimately fall short, especially after falling out of the playoffs the year prior in the Eastern Conference Championship, again losing to the team that set the points record for the regular season, that time Toronto FC.