On October 16, the MLS world was caught off-guard when it was reported that Anthony Precourt, owner of the Columbus Crew, had intentions of moving the team to Austin in 2019, citing poor business metrics and a lack of a downtown stadium as reasons why.
The move prompted outrage from those within the city and the league. Signs with “#SaveTheCrew” were shown at almost every MLS Decision Day match. Many of the US Soccer media such as Grant Wahl, Taylor Twellman, and Stuart Holden have been critical of the move, asking that the MLS original team remain in Columbus.