It's likely that no more than a handful of people in central Ohio had heard of Anthony Precourt before July 30, 2013, when the fresh-faced investment manager, then 43, was introduced as owner of the Crew. Precourt's passion and vision have only grown stronger along with his team and its facilities, earning him the affection of an often-finicky fan base.

It's likely that no more than a handful of people in central Ohio had heard of Anthony Precourt before July 30, 2013, when the fresh-faced investment manager, then 43, was introduced as owner of the Crew.

Who was this Colorado-bred Californian? Where were his credentials?

Precourt didn't have any at the time, at least none pertaining to pro sports. The Crew was his first foray into the business. But Precourt, as he pointed out recently, had done his homework.

"I studied the business side of sports for years before getting involved," Precourt said. "It has been more all-consuming than even I anticipated, but this is my passion. I'm all in on this. I'm working harder than ever to make this club as successful as it can possibly be."

Precourt's passion and vision have only grown stronger along with his team and its facilities. It has earned him the affection of an often-finicky fan base that his predecessor, Clark Hunt, never had. Hunt's late father, Lamar, founded the team and built its stadium, where his statue stands outside. But even Lamar Hunt never had a run like Precourt's first 2½ years.

Under Precourt's direction, the Crew hired a rising young coaching star to run its soccer operations (Gregg Berhalter), freshened its identity (Crew SC), secured naming rights for its stadium (Mapfre), spruced up its stadium and practice facilities and flubbed and then fixed its local television contract. There have been two playoff runs, the second ending in an MLS Cup Final at Mapfre Stadium, but the Crew lost 2-1 to the Portland Timbers on Dec. 6.

It was wrenching and whetting for Precourt, who will be in Portland when both clubs open their seasons with an MLS Cup rematch next Sunday.

"When we walked out for the program ceremonies and we saw the MLS Cup on our pitch, it gave me chills," Precourt said. "I said, 'Don't look at it. Don't look at it till we've earned it.' I mean, we were playing for it at home in front of (22,000) fans. It gave us a taste of what's to come, and we won't stop until we finish the job."

Precourt still covets the Cup, but he also wants to become a consistent contender to win it. He often cites the Green Bay Packers as an example.

"The support that we've been given from Mr. Precourt, we all feel," said Berhalter, whose contract has been extended twice since he was hired after the 2013 season. "It makes for a great working environment. You're motivated to do well."

Off the field, increasing attendance remains the focus. The Crew drew an average of 16,985 fans for 17 regular-season home games last year, the highest since 2002. The team increased the capacity of 19,968-seat Mapfre Stadium for the playoffs and drew an average of 20,797 for three postseason games.

"We had some great atmospheres last year and the year before and our attendance has improved," Precourt said. "But my goal is still to have all 17 of our home matches sell out."

Precourt said a new priority is securing another jersey sponsorship, a sizable revenue stream for the team. Major League Soccer shirt deals reportedly are worth an average of around $2 million per season. The Crew's five-year deal with Perio, Inc., the parent company of Barbasol, expires at year's end.

"An initiative for this season will be to either renew with Barbasol or find a new kit sponsor for 2017," Precourt said. "I think that could be a great opportunity for one of our other partners."

smitchell@dispatch.com

@smitchcd