SAFE SPACE: For those who want to express Enjoyment about the 2015 Season AND the Cup Run.

On a positive note, MLS assistant referees are often able to determine whether a ball went out of bounds or not.

 

Too soon.

 

My biggest takeaway from this season will be the overall direction of the team. There's so much that could go wrong with a new owner. You assume there will be changes and those changes come. But what is rare, is for so many of those changes to be good, positive ones.

I am proud of the team this year. They played great soccer that was at times absolutely beautiful and the way it should be played. But I am also proud of all the positive things that have happened off the field as well.

The only thing I ask of a player on the field, is to care as much about the team and result as I do. When I don't see that passion, it hurts. This year, I saw that passion both on and off the field. We are in good hands, and I am very excited about the future of this club because of that. It's not a business or a hobby for everyone involved in the front office, it's more important than that.

 

I'm happy we lost. Kamara said he would have retired if we won, so I'm cool with having a beast striker again next year (and awesome corner defender). He might have been joking, but I'm happy we didn't have to find out.

I also liked that Cedrick replaced Meran a few times. I hope that becomes permanent for the starting lineup next year

And last, but certainly not least, I'm thrilled that Parkhurst started playing worth a damn in the playoffs. Hopefully he'll keep it up now that he has a dependable partner in the middle.

 

Kamara said on Extra Time radio a month ago he wants to play into late 30's, so yeah its bullshit.

 

glad to hear it. I figured it probably was but I was too lazy to do anything more than read the article where I read it, including reading said article again to see if it was a joke or not.

 

I'm confused, are you a Crew fan? I would trade Kamara's retirement for an MLS Cup. Why would you be sad he's retired? Because it decreases our chance of winning a title (don't get me wrong, he's a nice guy and I love having him on the team...)?

 

Are you daft? The whole point is to win championships.

 

I must say as an Ohio sports fan my expectations are normally lower than most IMO. All I want every year is for this team to be in the playoff hunt throughout the regular season. However with six teams now getting in, i am pretty much at playoffs or bust. Having said that, it is very very hard to win a title as only one team can. Once we got to the playoffs i just wanted to get out of the first round and we did so the rest felt like a bonus to me. Once we got to the final at home I wanted it more than i could have imagined and to lose was just gut wrenching. After all is said and done this was one of the most fun seasons i had in the stadium and i cant wait for the 2016 season.

 

I'd rather have a competitive team multiple years than a championship. Sue me. I have complete faith he'll help us win a title in the next 2 years anyways. I don't want to be one and done and go back to the days of rarely scoring. F*** that noise.

 

Addendum:
Ran into Andy Loughnane (and his wife who is really great too) and I have to say he is great. He struck the perfect tone of friendliness and professionalism, frustration and hope. I really loved talking to him. I tried not to be an annoying fan but he recognized my wife and I.
He is a credit to the organization and I am happy to have him.

 

It really hits home how awesome a season this was when you watch highlight reels like this.

#CrewSC scored 65 goals in 2015 & we chose 11 of our favorites.

You pick the winner: https://t.co/nKpoda7sJThttps://t.co/We2d70eyPB

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 14, 2015

 

Can't decide between that Pipa chip v. Toronto, that was filthy; or Kamara v. Montreal, that was gorgeous.

 

had to go with Kamara vs. Montreal, just based on the height of his jump.

 

The overtime match with Montreal....I was a freakin Train Wreck...nerves and would have paced if I could have. Plus no beer. Really Really glad I went to NY jersey to see the match and 9/11 memorial. What a great year along with smart additions that helped us with the playoff run.

 

So the sickness which enveloped me has finally eased enough to the point where I have the strength to post in this thread. And upon reflection, I am lifted when I consider:

- Since 1996, I have never been this depressed over a result. On the surface, while that sounds negative, it is actually an incredible commentary on the intensity of my passion. I find myself being pleasantly (ironically) surprised that I actually care THIS much about this team. My passion for this club has never been this high. A real testament to the significant progress in the quality of this club and the MLS as a whole. Although it is a shame that the final game, a very poor representation of what our league has become in terms of quality of play and officiating, is what 170 country's saw.

- We were treated with some wonderful soccer this past year and were certainly in position to take it all. Hosting the MLS cup is indeed a great accomplishment! And the system has proven to be as fun for spectators as it is effective.

- The stadium atmosphere at the end of the season and during the playoffs speaks to the fact that I am not alone in my enthusiasm. I was not sure I would ever see that kind of an atmosphere in Columbus at an MLS game. So fun to be a part of that!

- Despite the disparity that exists between big market and small market team in all sports, and despite our legitimate beefs with the MLS, this year proved once again that a small market team in the MLS has a legitiamate chance to be successful, more so than perhaps any other professional sport.

- Even with the very sad ending, I had an absolute ball this year. I can't wait for next year to begin! I will have regained my sea legs and my passion will be even stronger. Meaningful history, even the moments that hurt, ultimately raise the stakes, build upon the tradition and lore and will sweeten our success when it no doubt returns.

 

My husband and I woke up to our 2-year-old son chanting the "We love ya, we love, we love ya" chant in his bed. Still hardcore in this offseason.

 

Google Now is predicting traffic/travel time for me on my phone to Maphre. Sunday playoff game recursion. That's cool.

 

Excluding season ticket renewals or possible increase in sponsorship how much did host the MLS Cup make for the Crew? I was curious to hear/see any type of financial impact hosting the Cup might have had.

 

Considering it was a league event...

 

I would hope the goddamned host team makes some of that. ******** the league if they take it all, goddamned monkey ears.

 

I'm sure we got to keep a part of concessions at least.

 

Probably some of the parking, too.