If Columbus Crew SC was to be described by someone who followed Major League Soccer closely over the last few years, it is likely that this person would mention the team’s unwavering commitment to its favored 4-2-3-1 formation and possession style.
Indeed, from the moment Gregg Berhalter took over as head coach, prior to the start of the 2014 season, until the end of 2016, the Black & Gold started only two of its 109 MLS matches in a different formation according to WhoScored.com.
In 2017, though, the team showed more of a multifaceted shape, lining up in five different formations over the course of the season.