Set your schedule now as the Columbus Crew prepares to compete in three live-streamed matches as part of the 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup starting Saturday, Feb. 15 vs. Phoenix Rising FC.
To live-stream all three Crew matches for free, visit ColumbusCrewSC.com/Tucson*.
The winner of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup will be determined by the total points earned over three matches. Teams will earn three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss.
Columbus Crew Visit Tucson Sun Cup Schedule
<strong>Date</strong> |
<strong>Opponent</strong> |
<strong>Time (ET)</strong> |
<strong>Location</strong> |
Saturday, Feb. 15 |
Phoenix Rising FC |
9 p.m. |
<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Casino Arizona Field;</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Tempe, Ariz.</span> |
Wednesday, Feb. 19 |
New York Red Bulls |
8:30 p.m. |
<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Kino North Stadium;</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);">Tucson, Ariz.</span> |
Saturday, Feb. 22 |
Houston Dynamo |
7 p.m. |
Kino North Stadium;<br>
Tucson, Ariz. |
The Crew have yet to be defeated in four preseason friendlies in 2020 as Columbus most recently defeated Sporting Kansas City 2-0 on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Following Wednesday's win, Head Coach Caleb Porter spoke on the staff's objectives, what he saw from his team, and how the team now adjusts to the final test before Opening Match on March 1.
"Coming here, Tucson, the objective is to now get into more of a competition mindset, where now it has to feel like a game, results matter, and we’re playing 90 minutes," Porter said.
The minutes played in each friendly has steadily progressed over the course of the last three weeks and Saturday marks the first public competition featuring the first team for a full 90 minutes.
Porter has used a consistent Starting XI so far this preseason but noted the team's depth as a particular strength.
"We need to prepare everybody to ready to step in. Whether that’s when we rotate our squad, whether that’s when we have injuries, or whether that’s when we need to change the game and make subs. I really like our depth this year, it’s one of the deepest teams I’ve had," he said.
As Opening Match continues to inch closer the Club's bevy of offseason acquisitions called for a calculated assimilation process this offseason, and one that has been seamless for a few reasons, Porter said.
"We’re only three and a half weeks in, but we have a lot of continuity in our group though. A lot of those pictures and messages and ideas and concepts of how we want to play are already embedded in there.
"The new guys, they picked up things pretty quickly. With Darlington it helps, obviously we’ve worked together. Vito’s a smart player, so a lot of the concepts we talk about, he’s already been doing, and he knows. Zelarayan is a really smart player, too. So, I think it’s been pretty seamless, for the most part. With some of the guys that are still fighting for position in that first 11, they still need to progress. But I am pleased with their mentality, their attitude has been excellent...I love the attitude and I love mentality, overall. We can’t lose sight of the fact that we’re winning games, that never hurts, that winning habit."
Be sure to tune-in to ColumbusCrewSC.com/Tucson on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. ET to witness the 2020 Crew.
*Per MLS policy, the live streams of Columbus Crew SC matches will only be available to viewers within Columbus' broadcast territory.
