How Columbus changed the history of U.S. Soccer

Sometimes it only takes one game. In a series that was as lopsided as the United States in Mexico in soccer, the U.S. needed something to feel good about.

They found that on a cold night in late February in 2001. It wasn’t just a result; it was a home field. A place that, for the first time in forever, the U.S. could call home.

While the U.S. will never play games in one specific stadium or city — and isn’t that the beauty of it? — Columbus became the first place where the national team could play in a soccer specific stadium and also do so with a home field advantage.

Columbus is where it all began and the next chapter starts tonight.