The first half of the 2017 season for Columbus Crew SC can be summarized in two words: match congestion.
There is no doubt that Crew SC fans have been extremely busy supporting the club over the first stretch matches. The Black & Gold are tied with Orlando City for the most games played this year thus far at 18. Columbus sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and nine division foes have at least one game in hand.
Including the U.S. Open Cup game, Crew SC has already experienced three weeks of at least two matches in seven days or less.