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It has been a frustrating season for Columbus Crew SC fans. After watching the team make a surge over the second half of the year a season ago and a run all the way to the MLS Cup Final, Black & Gold supporters have witnessed only three wins through 21 matches in 2016.
The team has not inspired confidence in a major turnaround. Despite only being seven points back of the final playoff spot, Crew SC cannot shake the dark cloud hanging over MAPFRE Stadium and mentality is becoming an issue.
When the transfer window opened in early July, many fans expected something drastic. Whether it was a shakeup to spark a reversal of fortune or a big-name signing to replace the traded Kei Kamara, there was hope something major would be done.
With two days left in the transfer window, that has not been fulfilled. Sporting director and head coach Gregg Berhalter had made some changes, adding former Montreal Impact midfielder Dilly Duka, central defender Nicolai Næss, young goalkeeper Zack Steffen, and big forward Adam Jahn, but none of those are the moves Crew SC fans longed for.
On Tuesday, owner Anthony Precourt took to Twitter in an attempt to reassure fans that this window has not been in vain.
This transfer window is not yet over. All I can say is we have been shopping hard. Working non stop to improve the squad. #CrewSC
— Anthony Precourt (@APrecourt) August 2, 2016
We've been actively looking for a new DP. Ownership is willing, but can't just be a name and #. Player needs to make the XI better. #CrewSC
— Anthony Precourt (@APrecourt) August 2, 2016
We have made some good additions already this transfer window: Duka, Ness (transfer fee paid), Steffen and Jahn. #CrewSC
— Anthony Precourt (@APrecourt) August 2, 2016
While Precourt’s tweets may not ease disappointed fans, it does send a message.
First, Crew SC has an owner who cares for this team nearly as much as the supporters who have been around since 1996 or before. He wants his club to win and he’s willing to spend the money.
What these tweets also say, and what Berhalter has stated all season, is Columbus won’t just sign a player to sign a player. The Black & Gold have a system and a method on and off the field that has worked well for two seasons and any additions must fit within these standards.
There is also the news that Crew SC have been looking for a second Designated Player following Kamara’s departure. While this was rumored and speculated, this is the first confirmation by anyone within the organization that this is indeed fact.
Precourt had no need to go on Twitter on a Tuesday afternoon. He certainly has enough going on as the managing partner of Precourt Capital Management, yet he took the time out of his day to explain to fans what is happening within the organization.
While Crew SC are having a poor year and chances for a third successive playoff run are dwindling, the team has an owner who is willing to do what is necessary to turn things around and even willing to take fans behind the curtain a bit.
You don’t find that everywhere.