The news that the Columbus Crew could be relocating to Austin, Texas came as a shock to many MLS fans. The Crew are a founding team in the league and MAPHRE Stadium was the first soccer specific venue in MLS. The team has a storied history and since 2001, its stadium was the chosen venue for matches played against Mexico in Men’s World Cup qualification.
That all may change as of 2018. Crew owner Thomas Precourt said that he would be moving the team to Austin if a new stadium in downtown Columbus were not built.