A Season of Ups and Downs: The Columbus Crew's 2024 Campaign

    The Columbus Crew’s 2024 season encapsulated both remarkable successes and challenges, demonstrating why they remain one of the most exciting teams in MLS. Building on the momentum of their 2023 MLS Cup victory, the Crew entered the season with high expectations and largely delivered, showcasing a potent blend of strategic play, leadership, and skill. Under the guidance of their coach, the Crew maintained a style that balanced offensive creativity with defensive solidity. Their season record, marked by 19 wins, 6 losses, and 9 draws, placed them second in the Eastern Conference and among the top teams across the league.

    Central to the Crew’s success was their attacking line, led by forward Cucho Hernández. Known for his agility and clinical finishing, Hernández consistently posed a threat to opposing defenses, ending the season as one of the team’s top scorers. Alongside him, Diego Rossi provided the kind of midfield dynamism that allowed the Crew to retain possession, control the pace of the game, and press aggressively. On the defensive end, Steven Moreira was a standout, earning the MLS Defender of the Year award. Moreira’s impact was instrumental, as he anchored the Crew’s backline with authority, positioning, and leadership, resulting in an impressive +32 goal difference, the highest in their conference.

    One of the season’s highlights came in August when Columbus claimed the 2024 Leagues Cup. In a fiercely contested tournament, the Crew demonstrated their competitive edge, ultimately facing off against LAFC in a gripping final. Their victory added another trophy to their cabinet and confirmed their place as a force in both league and inter-league competition. This triumph was a morale booster for the team and fans alike, proving that the Crew could compete with the best across MLS and beyond.

    Despite their impressive form, the Crew’s playoff run concluded earlier than hoped. Their first-round match against the New York Red Bulls became a nail-biter, with both teams putting in a valiant effort. Regulation and extra time ended in a draw, leading to a tense penalty shootout. In the end, the Red Bulls edged out Columbus, bringing a disappointing close to what had otherwise been a strong season. This unexpected exit sparked discussions on areas of improvement for the Crew, such as enhancing depth on the bench and refining penalty strategies to avoid similar outcomes in high-stakes matches.

    With a secured spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Crew look forward to new challenges. Their upcoming participation in the international tournament is eagerly anticipated, offering them an opportunity to showcase their talents on a broader stage and compete against top clubs from across North and Central America. Fans are hopeful that the Crew’s established core and winning mentality will help them contend for another trophy.

    The Crew’s loyal fan base at Lower.com Field played a pivotal role in the team’s journey this season, providing unmatched support that fueled their high-energy home performances. As Columbus Crew looks toward 2025, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and ambition surrounding the team. Both players and fans are ready to embrace the upcoming season and build on this year’s achievements with fresh goals and renewed drive.