The 2016 Major League Soccer schedule was released late Thursday afternoon and it was not as kind to Columbus Crew SC as fans would hope. We already knew that the Black & Gold would open their season with a trip out west for an MLS Cup rematch with the victorious Portland Timbers followed by a home contest with the Philadelphia Union coming at MAPFRE Stadium.
An away-then home start to the season is not unreasonable or remotely surprising. More surprising, however, is that the next three matches are all on the road, meaning Crew SC have four of their first five games away from MAPFRE Stadium.