New-look Crew seeks 4th MLS championship in 2025

• But Columbus also lost two of its best and most beloved players in the past month.

State of play: The 2024 Crew team was an MLS Cup favorite but got bounced from the playoffs in a shocking first-round upset.

Catch up quick: It's been almost exclusively departures since.

• Star Cucho Hernández was given a $16 million dream move to Spain, and Christian Ramírez was traded to Los Angeles.
• Veteran midfielder Lassi Lappalainen was the only notable offseason signing.

Context: It could take time for more reinforcements to arrive. Splashier signings often must wait for the summer, when major European leagues are in their offseasons.

• Hernández and Diego Rossi were both summer signings for Columbus.

Our take: We don't know what the final Crew roster will look like, but we do know head coach Wilfried Nancy, arguably the best in MLS, is the backbone of the organization.

• If they can stay afloat until the summer, major midseason signings could help them to another deep playoff run.

The competitions: Besides the MLS season, Columbus will participate in three other tournaments this year.

• The Crew once again qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup, which includes the best North American teams.
• The Leagues Cup follows as a showdown among U.S., Canadian and Mexican teams.
• The organization will send Crew 2 to the U.S. Open Cup, a knockout tournament involving teams from all levels of American soccer.

In the stadium

The team has added food options and is working to expand Lower.com Field. Per the Dispatch, the construction includes:

• A 7,500-square-foot addition in the northwest corner adding 262 seats, standing space and a larger concourse.
• A multi-story, 8,200-square-foot addition on the east side connecting to the upper concourse, plus adding another men's restroom and new club space with a total capacity of 600.

What we're watching: In a news release, the Crew says it "recognizes and is prepared for" matchday impact on fans:

• The team will close the northwest gate for the season and add a new north gate.
• Also, "movement within the north concourses will be condensed."

Dig in: The team is adding new food options this season, some of which Axios sampled at a Crew preseason event.

Here's what's new and where to find it:

• ELT (eggplant, lettuce, tomato) sandwich: Tasty but a little weird, this is a great option for vegans, though the texture of eggplant "bacon" is simply not a 1:1 comparison. Available at three Market 96 locations.

• Pho brisket sandwich: Easily the best thing we tried, this brisket sandwich on rye pairs perfectly with a bowl of pho — be sure to dip. Available at Columbus Craves in section 122.
• Pork dumpling salad: A delightful dumpling with a surprisingly spicy cabbage salad that (pleasantly) tastes unlike most stadium food. Available at three Market 96 locations.

• Dill pickle tater tots: Dusted with dill pickle seasoning and served with ranch, these spud nuggets are mostly just tots with a hint of dill. Available at Crew Grill in section 105.
• Brisket mac bowl: This Gouda and cheddar mac and cheese bowl is filled with brisket, fried jalapeños, red onions and a cornbread crumble. It's tasty, but not memorable. Available in the River Club and Tipico Club.
• Strawberry cream nachos: This features cinnamon sugar tortilla chips covered with strawberry and agave cream and a strawberry salsa — what's not to love? Available at Northside Nacho Cart in section 130 and Market 96 in section 238.
• Akron-based Swenson's will debut in the stadium's northwest corner.

🗓️ What's next: Keep an eye out for a regular Tuesday Crew column from Andrew.