Anthony Precourt is about as popular in Ohio as Art Modell was, which is really saying something. But while Modell tried and succeeded in moving the Cleveland Browns out of Ohio to become the Baltimore Ravens, Precourt failed when he tried to move the original MLS franchise, the Columbus Crew.
It was seven years ago in 2017 that famed soccer reporter Grant Wahl broke the news that Precourt would try to move the Crew to Austin, Texas. However, a number of factors led to the Crew miraculously staying in Columbus while Precourt was given an exit ramp of an expansion team in the lone star state capital. First was the #SavetheCrew fan movement which drew worldwide plaudits from soccer fans not used to relocation heartache that American sports too often brings. Second was thanks to Modell himself and a state law that prevented a team from moving that used public funds without being offered to a local ownership group. Third was the purchase by the Haslams, who also own the Cleveland Browns.
Fast forward to 2024 and the Crew have not just survived, but thrived as a model MLS franchise. The team has won MLS Cup twice in 2020 and 2023 and have a brand new sold-out downtown stadium. On Wednesday night, they added another piece of history by defeating Liga MX powerhouse Monterrey 3-1 in Mexico and 5-2 on aggregate to make the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final.
But don’t think Crew fans have forgotten about Precourt.
On Thursday morning, Fox 28 local morning show Good Day Columbus took the opportunity amidst the celebration to troll Precourt and his lack of success moving to Austin, showcasing B-roll footage of an empty trophy cabinet and taunting the former Crew owner .
“Our producer woke up and chose violence!” the set cackled. “Thank goodness we’re not vindictive people at all.”
Given this is a city that lives, eats, and sleeps the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry 24/7/365, the sideswipe of Precourt makes total sense. Although the Crew ‘s chief rival is FC Cincinnati in the phenomenally named “Hell is Real” derby, Austin FC and Precourt will always hold a special place of contempt in the hearts of Columbus.
Not to be overshadowed, the Crew’s win in Monterrey gives them the opportunity to become only the fourth MLS team to ever win a CONCACAF Champions Cup and only the second since 2002. Given the abysmal history of MLS teams playing in Mexico, it’s a win that all of Major League Soccer can be proud of… except perhaps Precourt. To put another trophy in the cabinet, Columbus has to do it again in June when they travel back to Mexico where they will face five-time continental champion Pachuca in the final.
The post Columbus morning show viciously trolls villainous former Columbus Crew owner after historic win appeared first on Awful Announcing .
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