The "Hardest Working Team in America," which featured stars such as midfielder Brian McBride, goalkeeper Brad Friedel, center Brian Massonueve, and South African transfer Doctor Khumalo, began play at home on April 13th against DC United. The game resulted in a 4-0 rout win for the Crew in front of 25,266 at Ohio Stadium.

Twenty-two games into the season, head coach Timo Leikoski resigned and was replaced by Tom Fitzgerald. Under Fitzgerald's guidance, the Crew would qualify for the playoffs with a record of 15-17, but they would get beaten by the Tampa Bay Mutiny in three games.