The last month has been one of celebration for Columbus Crew fans, without question.

July 2021 began with the club opening its new downtown stadium, Lower.com Field, with the excitement present all week throughout the city. It came to a head that Saturday afternoon, when fans paraded through the downtown area to the stadium, gaining support all the way to the venue.

As for the game itself, Columbus began with an intent to attack, but quickly found themselves trailing New England 2-0. Gyasi Zardes scored the opening goal at the new home for the Crew, before an equalizer in the most bizarre fashion…. (the highlight of the goal begins at 2:57)

From a personal standpoint, it was certainly an emotional day. I’ve been fortunate to see the various highs and lows associated with Columbus Crew: their introduction as the first MLS franchise; the move from Ohio Stadium to the first soccer-specific stadium in the United States; the joy of winning MLS Cup 2008; the despair of the franchise nearly moved to Austin; all these emotions capped off by local investors buying the club, keeping it in Columbus, and a 2020 MLS Cup serving as the perfect happy ending. (Don’t forget the city’s “Dos a Cero” history with the U.S. men’s national team!)

The new stadium appears to have given the Crew players a mental boost as well. Following their incredible comeback against the Revolution, Columbus rallied from another 2-0 deficit to salvage a draw at Cincinnati; that was shortly followed by a first home win. Entering Friday, the Crew has not lost a match since Lower.com Field’s inaugural match. Can they keep that going into August, and mount a serious title defense?

For Columbus fans, the last few years have been a major win keeping the team in its original home. July 2021 was simply another chapter in what could turn out to be the club’s most successful phase yet.