Thread by @klyttleAAS

Just got off a @ColumbusCrewSC conference call with Anthony Precourt. A lot of tough Qs for the owner from the Ohio media. Naturally. And...

Mood seems really dour for Columbus. Barring some miracle, it's hard to picture this #MLS team staying. Seems like train has left station

Precourt spoke very excitedly about #Austin and cast considerable doubt on viability of #Columbus.

He said they need to see much more from Columbus in terms of "ticket sales, fan base, corporate sponsorships" to even try new stadium there

Of #Austin, Precourt touted "robust economy, multi-cultural atmosphere, corporate growth, lack of any major league team" as reasons to move

Precourt also clarified 'no deal is in place with UT to play at Myers' as temporary solution while stadium being built. #Longhorns #HookEm

Precourt: 'We need world-class soccer stadium, and it will be privately financed. I'm not asking for anything.' #Austin #MLS @ColumbusCrewSC

Precourt: 'It's premature to talk about specific stadium locations in #Austin.'

Precourt confirmed 'we will be playing in #Columbus in 2018.'

Asked about @AustinAztex struggles, Precourt said: 'Apples and oranges. We're talking MLS. They had trouble with stadium, fan experience.'

Precourt on #Columbus vs. #Austin: 'we need to have confidence in the market. Columbus has room for improvement. We've tried really hard.'