Although the Crew faced FC Dallas in the regular season, control of the inaugural edition of the Lamar Hunt Pioneer Cup was decided in the preseason.

The Crew were eliminated in the U.S. Open Cup qualification semifinals by Los Angeles Galaxy and finished three points out of a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, the third consecutive season without a playoff berth for Columbus.

In the 2006 season the Crew finished sixth place in the East, finished last in the Supporters' Shield table, and failed to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup or the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

Columbus lost defender Ritchie Kotschau to expansion team Toronto FC,[1] but he would be replaced by 2007 MLS SuperDraft second-round selection Brad Evans.

[2] Coach Sigi Schmid would also bring in Danny O'Rourke,[3] Robbie Rogers,[4] Alejandro Moreno,[5] William Hesmer,[3] and the team's very first Designated Player, Guillermo Barros Schelotto.