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With Christmas just six days away, Major League Soccer decided to give an early gift to soccer fans on Thursday. The league released the 2020 schedule and provided a look at Columbus Crew SC soccer heading into the next decade.
It’s been a big week for the Black & Gold as the team signed defender Vito Wormgoor on Wednesday and appears close to completing a transaction for Tigres UNAL midfielder Lucas Zelarayan.
The schedule release is just icing on the cake.
It’s been known that the Crew is opening the 2020 season against New York City FC but the remainder of the schedule remained a mystery. The league provided some clarity with the schedule release Thursday afternoon and fans took to social media to share their thoughts.
The highlight of the day occurred when ESPN posted the schedule way before the league did its official release. Fans began making their weekend plans almost immediately.
Entire home and away schedule (thanks #Crew96 fam)
— Keith Naas (@knaas) December 19, 2019
March 21 in Nashville. https://t.co/fhQqc2pmQO pic.twitter.com/IGDbBEAIN8
The schedule is out. Time to block out all of my spring for Columbus. #Crew96 https://t.co/4sPAKsZuns
— Cody Topp (@iHyalt) December 19, 2019
The One and Only.
— Abbi Pritchard (@abbipritchard) December 19, 2019
The Black and Gold. #Crew96 https://t.co/2iFpTpqV1L
Excitement began to build.
An accurate depiction of how amped I am for the #Crew96 home opener #Nordecke pic.twitter.com/pR84rPYw0E
— Jeffrey Barger (@TheFlaskandPen) December 19, 2019
FYI I’m not available on the dates and times listed below. #Crew96 https://t.co/pra8JoY7kK
— Michael Jager (@CleCrewzer) December 19, 2019
Some fans even took an analytical route and broke down the schedule by date and month.
A quick breakdown of #Crew96 games in 2020... pic.twitter.com/KzjJEmLjDo
— Morgan Hughes (@Morgan_Hughes) December 19, 2019
Other individuals were quick to break out their calendar or smartphone as they learned the dates that the Crew would face off against new minted rival FC Cincinnati.
#HellisReal Derby dates #FCCincy vs. #Crew96
— Charlie Hatch (@charliehatch_) December 19, 2019
July 19, 8 p.m. | Nippert
Crew SC vs. FC Cincinnati
Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. | MAPFRE pic.twitter.com/CKgzhIyYR8
The defending Wooden Spooners come to town on August 22#HellIsReal | #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/BYP0Wo8GTh
— Gem City Massive (@GemCityMassive) December 19, 2019
Columbus City Council even took to their Twitter account to join in the excitement.
Anybody have plans on August 22nd? #crew96 https://t.co/sMoaqFaD7g
— Columbus Council (@ColumbusCouncil) December 19, 2019
One fact that several found surprising is that the Black & Gold won’t travel or face a team from the state of California in 2020. Meaning that the Crew won’t see Los Angeles Football Club, LA Galaxy or the San Jose Earthquakes unless they meet in the playoffs.
When you realize we don't have to travel to California at all this season. #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/7WFTpyhRVY
— The Crew View (@The_CrewView) December 19, 2019
A point of contention remains as Columbus are featured in just one nationally televised game this season.
Yet another miss. How is this not on the broadcast schedule? #Crew96 #PTFC pic.twitter.com/1uOR3Gq0Cg
— Keith Naas (@knaas) December 19, 2019
Just one nationally televised #Crew96 game, in Cincinnati. https://t.co/lbCFEV87QX
— Patrick Guldan (@GuldanMR) December 19, 2019
With the earlier start to the MLS season, it’s exciting to see fans getting ready for what’s to come. Under the direction of Tim Bezbatchenko and head coach Caleb Porter the Black & Gold look ready to hit the ground running in the new decade.