What if Rip Van Winkle was a Crew fan?

If the legendary Washington Irving character had been asleep these last two seasons, wonder what he'd think of the state of his favorite team.

Katie Stratman-Imagn ImagesLet’s start this composition by putting a twist on a classic tale. Let’s say Rip Van Winkle is a Crew fan. And let’s say he began his famous nap just after Darlington Nagbe hoisted the MLS Cup in early December of 2023. Lastly, let’s say his slumber lasted only two years instead of 20. If ol’ Rip looked back over these last two MLS seasons-seasons Crew fans believed held such promise-he is probably wondering the same thing as the rest of us black and gold faithful: What on earth happened to our favorite team?

In the aftermath…