It's fair to say that in Columbus soccer has always had to fight for its respect, to win over the hearts and minds of local sports fans, and to gain the attention it deserves. The reasons are well documented, debated, and beaten in to the ground. This time last year, for the first time in a long time, if not ever, soccer seemed to be gaining ground.
On the heels of a surprise playoff appearance in 2014 the Columbus Crew launched a highly lauded (at least at the time) rebranding effort, unveiling a new crest, and officially changing the team name to Columbus Crew SC.