Happy Friday Crew Fans! Another week is in the books and it’s now time for some more exciting soccer from America’s Hardest Working Team. As we near Sunday’s match at Chicago, here’s a quick heads up regarding a great piece by Chris DeVille and Co. from Columbus Alive! about the “Crew Renaissaince” this season. It includes some unique insights into the always rockin’ Nordecke (home of Crew Union, Hudson Street Hooligans & La Turbina Amarilla), which is prominently featured in video piece from last Saturday’s match vs. the Galaxy. You can check out Chris’ story online here, but be sure to pick up a print copy as well for even more great Crew content.

Have a fun & safe weekend… we’ll be back Sunday with a preview of the match vs. the Fire!

Gov. Ted Strickland was among the black-clad, standing-room-only throng of 22,685 that saw the Crew defeat the L.A. Galaxy at Crew Stadium on Saturday. The Guv, fifth from right above, conducted the ceremonial pregame coin toss, before enjoying the game. Also spotted were Blue Jackets Pascal Leclaire, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Kristian Huselius, Jan Hejda and Andrew Murray.

Good afternoon all and Happy Tuesday. We’re just checking in real quick to give you a heads up about a couple of quick items… 

First, for those who are interested, the FreeKick Archives have been completed for the 2007 and 2008 seasons, so be sure to check those out for extra content about America’s Hardest Working Team that you may have missed throughout the season.

Secondly, an autographed poster auction featuring all your favorite Crew players is currently being held at TheCrew.com. The auction, which runs until Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m., benefits the Crew Soccer Foundation and its various programming for central Ohio youth and families, so be sure to bid on your favorite player poster and support a good cause, while they are still available.

And finally, be sure to check out this piece from Goal.com’s Shane Evans on the Crew’s leading goal scorer Alejandro Moreno. It’s a great article about Ally’s fine form with the Crew this season as he offers his thoughts on some of the crucial aspects of the Black & Gold’s success in 2008.

As a result of the Crew’s 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy last Saturday (Oct. 4), and New England and Chicago both drawing in their weekend matches, the Crew has now clinched the Eastern Conference title, as well as home field advantage throughout the 2008 MLS Playoffs (Playoff pairings, dates and times have not yet been determined, but two-game ticket strips are on sale now). 

The 2008 MLS Supporters’ Shield is also now in sight for the Black & Gold. More information about the current Supporters’ Shield scenario is after the jump.

Read more…

On the heels of its gutsy 1-0 victory over New England in the pouring rain last Saturday (Sept. 27), the first-place Crew returns home to take on the Los Angeles Galaxy tonight at Crew Stadium, when fans are encouraged to wear black to the game. The Crew (15-6-5, 50 pts.) heads into tonight’s match having already secured a spot in the 2008 MLS Playoffs - and established a club record for points in a season - while the Galaxy (7-11-8, 29 pts.) looks to keeps its playoff hopes alive at first-of-its-kind Crew Stadium, where the Black & Gold is an impressive 9-2-2 this season.

As of this morning, a limited number of tickets were still available. They can be acquired at the Crew Stadium Box Office, all central Ohio Ticketmaster retail locations, via Ticketmaster phone at 614-431-3600 and online at ticketmaster.com and TheCrew.com. As soon as all seats have been sold, standing-room-only tickets will go on sale. Read more…