In the 1999 Major League Soccer season, the Columbus Crew finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference and 6th overall with a 19-13 record, accumulating 45 points under head coach Tom Fitzgerald. A historic highlight of the campaign was the opening of Columbus Crew Stadium on May 15, making them the first MLS team with a soccer-specific stadium. Forward Stern John finished as a top goalscorer with 18 goals. In the postseason, the Crew defeated Tampa Bay in the Conference Semifinals but were eliminated by D.C. United in the Conference Finals.