The Crew won their third ever MLS cup in Wilfried Nancy's first season at the helm, and are visiting the White House for the second time
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Introduced to President BidenHonored by second gentleman Douglas EmhoffCrew Coach Wilfried Nancy "really, really proud"WHAT HAPPENED?
The Columbus Crew got to celebrate their 2023 MLS Cup one more time, this time at the White House with President Joe Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
The Wilfried Nancy-led club were first formally introduced to President Biden prior to being celebrated in a reception by Second Gentleman Emhoff, who made brief remarks. It is American tradition that U.S. professional and first division college sports teams are celebrated by Presidents in a formal reception. Gotham FC became the first NWSL side to gain a White House reception earlier this week.
The Crew won their second MLS Cup in four years in the 2023 campaign, and tied a franchise record with 57 points over the course of the season. That appearance kicked off a run of three finals in last nine months – although the Crew went 1-2 in them, losing the Champions Cup Final, winning the Leagues Cup and then falling in Wednesday's Campeones Cup.
AdvertisementColumbus CrewTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Crew could end up making another visit in the White House next year as they are one of the favorites to win MLS Cup this season.
Nancy's side are third in the Eastern Conference, but boast the best defensive record in the league, having conceded 31 goals. Star player Cucho Hernandez is among MLS MVP contenders, with 15 goals and eight assists in 23 league appearances.
The Crew are one point away from eclipsing their franchise record in points from last year. The reigning champs are 4-1-1 since securing the Leagues Cup on Aug. 25.
IMAGNWHAT NANCY SAID
Nancy captured the moment during official remarks to reporters: “This is amazing. I’m really grateful, and it's an honor and a privilege, because when we came in the White House and we saw, we smell and we felt the history behind everything. Yes, we won a trophy. But again, this is part of the journey, and for me, this is the most important. I’m really, really proud, and I was emotional because, again, I’ve traveled a lot, and you know my background, and to be able to to be here at 47 years old in the White House, and because of the sport that we do every day, wow, this is nice. This is really nice.”
IMAGNWHAT EMHOFF SAID
The second gentleman hailed the Crew for their efforts: "Through your work and dedication you have made the central Ohio community and our entire nation incredibly proud. Part of why I personally love sports so much is, sports brings us together, sports unifies us. And as we all know, we actually have way more in common than what divides us."
