Since it was reported that Columbus Crew SC would leave central Ohio and look to move to Austin, Texas, a grassroots campaign from Crew fans as well as fans of other MLS teams has formed to keep the original MLS franchise in Columbus.
Using #SaveTheCrew, the group has grown over the past week and has had many backers throughout soccer media. This past weekend, hundreds of Crew fans showed up at City Hall to express their love of their local team as they showed city officials that their soccer team would be missed in their city.
A rather unexpected but awesome ally to the movement is rapper Biz Markie, who changed the words to his hit “Just a Friend” to reflect Columbus Crew SC.
With @BizMarkie on our side, we can't possibly lose this fight. #SaveTheCrew pic.twitter.com/5Np6SZm1n4
— Morgan Hughes (@Morgan_Hughes) October 24, 2017
I have no clue how this came together but that’s rather impressive. And the support from other MLS teams to Columbus has been impressive as well.
MLS supporters groups have a different connection than other sports. It’s a bit cliche but supporters groups are like one big family. They may argue and bicker with each other at times but in the end, they have each other’s back. Whether it’s when a team getting a new stadium (like DC United), or trying to save a team from losing its history, on-field rivalry stops and fans unite for what they feel is for the greater good. Because who knows if the same thing will happen to them.
