State of the Crew: Pre-preseason

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesThe Columbus Crew is nearly three months removed from capturing the team’s second MLS Cup title. And while the night of Dec. 5 will forever be etched into the minds of players, staff and fans, the 2021 season is fast approaching with preseason set to get underway this week.

Over the offseason, the Crew staff has worked diligently to put together a team that can not only once again contend for the MLS Cup but also compete on multiple fronts, something the team didn’t have to do a year ago. The Black & Gold have their sights set on making runs, and hopefully winning, in the CONCACAF Champions League, which begins in April, and, assuming they are selected to be…