FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew are two clubs with an undeniable connection. Both franchises are integral parts of the legacy of American sports pioneer Lamar Hunt. While the Crew represents Hunt¹s initial investment and belief in the potential of Major League Soccer, FC Dallas represents his vision for the growth of soccer in his hometown a dream that dates back to his 1967 NASL venture.
Lamar Hunt's vision for soccer in North America lives on every time a match is played at Columbus Crew Stadium and Pizza Hut Park, two of the first three soccer-specific stadiums built in the United States. Both stadiums memorialize Hunt with 10-foot tall statues of the visionary, and both clubs honor his legacy by wearing the emblem with the initials "LH" on the back of their jerseys.
This Friday, FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew will pay tribute to the legacy of Lamar Hunt once again when they meet in the first leg of the 2011 Pioneer Cup at Crew Stadium in Columbus (7:30 p.m. ET, FOX Soccer).
Here's how the two clubs match up.
<span style="font-size: small;">0</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>MLS Cup</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">1 (2008)</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">0</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Supporters Shield</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">3 (2004, 2008, 2009)</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">1 (2010)</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Conference Championship</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">1 (2008)</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">1 (1997)</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Lamar Hunt<br> U.S. Open Cup<br> Championship</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">1 (2002)</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">0-1-1</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Current Record</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">0-1-1</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">12-4-14 (50 pts)</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>2010 Record</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">14-8-8 (50 pts)</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">MLS Cup Final</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>2010 Playoff Result</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">MLS Cup Quarter-finals</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">15-15-8</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Head-to-Head Record</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">15-15-8</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">2002</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Year Acquired/Founded<br> by Hunt Sports Group</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">1994</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">2005</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Year Moved into<br> Soccer-Specific Stadium</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">1999</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">Approximately 2,000</span> |
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Number of Players <br>enrolled in Youth system</strong></span> |
<span style="font-size: small;">Approximately 3,000</span> |