It’s a new year and a new Columbus Crew SC. After the debacle of 2016, the Black & Gold have retooled for the new season, making 10 additions during the offseason.
Most notably among those are on the defense where Designated Player Jonathan Mensah is expected to help fix problems that cost Crew SC a year ago. Columbus also brought back veteran Josh Williams and in wingback Jukka Raitala as well as two rookies in Lalas Abubakar and Alex Crognale.
In the midfield, the Black & Gold added central players Mohammed Abu and Artur in addition to drafting Niko Hansen and making the loan move of Cristian Martinez a permanent transaction.