The Columbus Crew will host an open fan forum on Monday, giving supporters the opportunity to interact with club officials and players as the team begins to gather for preseason training. The event will be held in the Huntington Club at Crew Stadium from 6-7:30 p.m. ET.
Expected to be in attendance are general manager Mark McCullers, head coach Greg Andrulis, assistant coach Robert Warzycha, captain and defender Robin Fraser, midfielder Kyle Martino, midfielder Danny Szetela and midfielder Brian Maisonneuve, who is expected to announce his retirement from professional soccer at the event.
Fans who attend will have the chance to ask questions of Crew officials and players, while also getting a sneak preview of one of the new adidas game jerseys that Columbus will sport this season.
"This is a very unique and intimate way to reach out to our fans," said McCullers. "As we approach our 10th season, I look forward to seeing our fans sharing our plans for 2005 and answering their questions. I think the fans will really enjoy the casual setting and tone of this event."
The Crew are scheduled to begin preseason workouts in preparation for the 2005 season in the coming days. Columbus will make their second consecutive appearance at the Carolina Challenge Cup this preseason, as they will look to defend the exhibition title they captured in 2004.
The tournament, scheduled for March 19-25, at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., will also include 2004 MLS Cup champion D.C. United, the San Jose Earthquakes and the host Charleston Battery of the USL First Division (second division). Additionally, the Crew have scheduled a meeting with the Virginia Beach Mariners at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex on March 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
