Columbus Crew

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew struck first Sunday afternoon, but the New England Revolution answered with three unanswered goals to leave Lower.com Field with a 3-1 victory.

Brais Méndez gave Columbus an early lead, but Matt Polster, Dor Turgeman and Carles Gil each found the back of the net as New England completed the comeback. The loss was the Crew's fourth consecutive MLS defeat.

Columbus wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.

In the eighth minute, Mohamed Farsi slipped a pass into the penalty area for Méndez, whose first-time finish took a slight deflection before beating goalkeeper Aljaž Ivacic to give the Crew a 1-0 advantage. It was the Spanish midfielder's second goal in as many MLS appearances.

The Revolution gradually took control of the match and found the equalizer in the 32nd minute.

Carles Gil delivered a corner kick to the back post, where Mamadou Fofana headed the ball back across the goalmouth. Polster collected the pass and fired a low shot through traffic to level the score at 1-1. New England carried that momentum into the closing minutes of the first half, taking the lead in the 41st minute when Gil threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Turgeman, who finished into the upper corner for a 2-1 advantage.

The Crew searched for an equalizer after halftime but struggled to generate quality chances against an organized Revolution defense. Patrick Schulte kept Columbus within striking distance with several key saves, but New England continued creating the more dangerous opportunities.

Gil put the match away in the 79th minute.

After combining with 18-year-old Peyton Miller just inside the penalty area, Gil chipped a shot over Schulte and into the net to extend the Revolution's lead to 3-1. The goal capped an outstanding afternoon for the veteran midfielder, who finished with a goal and two assists.

The final statistics reflected New England's control. The Revolution outshot Columbus 21-7, including an 11-1 advantage in shots on target, while consistently pressuring the Crew throughout the second half. For Columbus, the defeat marked another frustrating result in a stretch where converting possession into scoring chances has proven difficult.

What's Next: The Crew return to action Saturday when they host the Colorado Rapids at Lower.com Field. Columbus will look to end its four-match MLS losing streak as the regular season enters its final stretch.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Columbus Crew appeared poised to leave GEODIS Park with three valuable road points Saturday night.

Instead, Nashville SC authored one of the most dramatic comebacks of the MLS season.

After rallying from an early deficit to take a 2-1 lead midway through the second half, the Crew conceded goals in the 93rd and 95th minutes as Nashville escaped with a stunning 3-2 victory. The loss extended Columbus' MLS skid to three matches despite a spirited second-half performance.

Nashville opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Hany Mukhtar finished a well-worked passing sequence, giving the Supporters' Shield leaders a 1-0 advantage. The hosts carried that lead into halftime despite Columbus enjoying stretches of possession and limiting Nashville's chances after the opening goal.

The match turned after the break.

Mohamed Farsi leveled the score in the 58th minute, finishing a setup from Malte Amundsen and Brais Méndez to cap a sustained spell of pressure from the Crew. Just 10 minutes later, André Gomes put Columbus in front with a brilliant free kick that curled over the wall and into the back of the net for his first MLS goal.

With the lead in hand, the Crew looked on course to secure an important road victory against one of the league's top clubs.

Nashville had other plans.

Deep into stoppage time, Reed Baker-Whiting headed home a corner kick to draw the hosts level in the 93rd minute. Before Columbus could regroup, Andy Nájar completed the comeback two minutes later, finishing a cross from Jeisson Palacios to send the home crowd into celebration and hand Nashville an improbable 3-2 victory.

The defeat was a difficult one for Columbus to absorb.

The Crew had successfully weathered Nashville's early pressure and produced one of their strongest stretches of soccer after halftime, only to see the result slip away in the closing moments. Against the league leaders, the margin between three points and none ultimately came down to a pair of plays in second-half stoppage time.

What's Next: The Crew return home next Saturday to host the Colorado Rapids at Lower.com Field. Columbus will look to regroup and end its three-match MLS losing streak as it continues its push for playoff positioning.

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew's recent struggles continued Wednesday night as CF Montréal capitalized on its opportunities and left Lower.com Field with a 2-1 victory.

Prince Owusu opened the scoring early before Noah Streit netted the match-winner in the 78th minute, helping Montréal snap an eight-match winless streak and earn its first victory over Columbus since 2022.

Montréal wasted little time taking the lead. Owusu found the back of the net in the fifth minute, putting the Crew on the back foot almost immediately. Columbus responded 15 minutes later in unusual fashion when pressure inside the penalty area forced an own goal by Montréal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, drawing the Crew level at 1-1.

The remainder of the first half was evenly played, but Columbus struggled to create sustained pressure after the break. Although the Crew finished with more than 62 percent possession, Montréal generated the better scoring chances and consistently tested goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

The decisive moment came in the 78th minute.

Streit carried the ball out of Montréal's defensive end before unleashing a long-range strike that beat Schulte and tucked into the upper corner for his first MLS goal. The spectacular effort restored the visitors' lead and ultimately proved to be the difference.

Columbus pushed numbers forward during the closing minutes and nearly salvaged a point in stoppage time. Sean Zawadzki's close-range attempt was cleared off the goal line by Montréal defender Brandan Craig, preserving the visitors' lead through the final whistle.

The defeat marked the Crew's second consecutive MLS loss after returning from Leagues Cup play. While Columbus again controlled possession for long stretches, the club was unable to convert that advantage into quality scoring opportunities, finishing with just two shots on target.

What's Next: The Crew conclude a busy week Saturday night when they travel to face Nashville SC. Columbus will look to halt its two-match skid against another Eastern Conference opponent before returning home the following weekend.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Columbus Crew spent much of Saturday night's match with the ball at their feet, but Charlotte FC made the most of its opportunities and came away with a 3-1 victory at Bank of America Stadium.

Charlotte struck twice in the opening nine minutes and never surrendered the lead, handing the Crew their first MLS loss since returning from the Leagues Cup break. Despite controlling nearly 65 percent of possession and outshooting Charlotte 26-9, Columbus was unable to overcome its slow start.

The hosts wasted little time taking control.

Just 29 seconds into the match, Brandt Bronico finished a cross from David Schnegg to give Charlotte an early 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Liel Abada drew a penalty inside the area and converted from the spot to double the advantage before the Crew had an opportunity to settle into the match.

Columbus responded before halftime.

Brooks Lennon delivered a cross into the box in the 41st minute, where Chase Adams headed the ball past Kristijan Kahlina to cut Charlotte's lead to 2-1. The goal shifted momentum toward the Crew, who continued to pressure the hosts throughout the remainder of the first half.

The Crew carried that pressure into the second half, generating chance after chance. Columbus earned 13 corner kicks and repeatedly forced Charlotte into defending deep inside its own end. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina and the Charlotte back line, however, consistently turned away the opportunities.

Charlotte finally created some breathing room in the 73rd minute.

Allan Saint-Maximin, making his MLS debut, started the attack before Rodolfo Aloko slipped a pass to Pep Biel, who finished the sequence to restore the two-goal advantage. It was enough to halt Columbus' comeback hopes despite the Crew continuing to control possession over the closing minutes.

For Columbus, the final score was a frustrating reflection of a match in which the statistics favored the visitors far more than the scoreboard. The Crew completed more than 700 passes, held Charlotte to just over one-third of the possession and matched the hosts in expected goals, but an early defensive lapse and missed scoring opportunities ultimately proved too much to overcome.

What's Next: The Crew continue their road trip Wednesday night when they visit CF Montréal. Columbus will look to bounce back before returning home for another Eastern Conference matchup later in the week.

FORT LAUDERDALE — The Columbus Crew twice erased one-goal deficits Saturday night, earning a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF in a matchup that featured the return of Lionel Messi to MLS action.

Making his debut for Columbus, midfielder Brais Méndez delivered the equalizer in the 84th minute with a curling free kick from just outside the penalty area, securing a point for the Crew in front of a sellout crowd at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami struck first in the 15th minute when Luis Suárez capitalized on a turnover and lofted a long-range shot over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte to give the home side a 1-0 advantage. Columbus responded less than 20 minutes later when a dangerous cross into the penalty area deflected off new Miami midfielder Casemiro and into his own net, leveling the match at 1-1.

The hosts regained the lead just before halftime. Noah Allen headed home a cross in first-half stoppage time, sending Inter Miami into the break with a 2-1 advantage despite Columbus creating several quality scoring chances of its own.

Messi entered the match early in the second half for his first MLS appearance since returning from international duty and immediately added another dimension to Miami's attack. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner generated several dangerous opportunities, but Schulte came up with key saves to keep the Crew within striking distance.

Columbus found its breakthrough six minutes from full time.

After Casemiro committed a foul just outside the penalty area, Méndez stepped over the free kick and bent a left-footed effort around the wall and inside the post for his first goal with the Crew. The strike capped an impressive debut for the Spanish midfielder and preserved a deserved point for Columbus after a strong overall performance.

The Crew finished with 13 shots and matched Inter Miami throughout the evening despite playing on the road. Against one of the Eastern Conference's top clubs, Columbus demonstrated resilience by responding both times it fell behind, extending its positive run of form entering Leagues Cup play.

What's Next: MLS pauses for Leagues Cup as the Crew open tournament play Wednesday against Atlas FC at Lower.com Field. Columbus will look to carry the momentum from Saturday's comeback into the international competition.

The Columbus Crew defeated FC Cincinnati on Saturday night, and if you're a Crew supporter, it was about as satisfying a result as you could ask for. The atmosphere was electric, as always, the soccer was outstanding, and Columbus earned three points against one of its biggest rivals.

As I watched the match, though, I kept catching myself having the same thought I've had for years whenever two Ohio teams play each other: I wish they didn't.

Now, before anyone accuses me of wanting to get rid of the Hell Is Real Derby, Browns-Bengals games or the Ohio Cup, that's not what I'm saying at all. These games are important. They're good for the teams, they're good for the leagues, and they're incredibly fun for fans.

But I just feel... funky... the entire time I'm watching one of these games. Literally every play is simultaneously the best and the suck. One side scores and I'm happy. The other side gives up a goal and... well... I'm not. How can anybody party like that? Serious question.

Growing up outside Cincinnati, I was, of course, a Bengals fan. What I was always afraid to admit to anyone—certainly not my father or my brothers—was that, as long as the Browns weren't playing the Bengals, I quietly hoped they won too. As it turns out, my brothers secretly rooted for the Browns as well. These days, we've all come clean and freely admit we root for the Guardians.

But I think my wiring goes back even farther than that.

One of my earliest childhood memories is visiting family in Tennessee. We made that trip at least once every year, and usually more than once. During one visit, there was a football game on television, and one of the teams had a giant orange "T" on the side of its helmet. I remember asking what the "T" stood for—probably because I was at the age where everything was "A is for Apple" and "B is for Ball."

"Tennessee," someone told me.

Well... that made perfect sense. We were in Tennessee.  So I asked the next obvious question.

"Does Ohio have a team?"

My aunt smiled and said, "Yes. Ohio has the Ohio State Buckeyes."

Ohio.  State.

To my little-kid brain, that wasn't just a university. That was Ohio's team.  It encompassed the entirety of the state.  It was OUR team.  Where we were from.

On the drive home, I remember asking my dad, "Does Cincinnati have a team like the Buckeyes?"  He answered the question from the college perspective.  "Yes. The Cincinnati Bearcats."

And just like that, the Bearcats joined Ohio State in my little collection of teams. Looking back, I think that's where this whole thing started. Somewhere along the way, my brain permanently linked sports teams to the place where I lived instead of making me choose just one.  Which is actually to say, I had no choice.

I remember another moment years later that reinforced it.

I was watching a college basketball highlights show, and several Ohio teams had all won on the same day. For whatever reason, that absolutely fired me up. I grabbed a basketball, ran outside into the driveway and started yelling, "Ohio hoops! Ohio hoops!" while launching jumpers at the basket.

Sadly, that excitement was soon tempered as I obsessively recreated the baseline jumper Chris Jent missed against that team up north. Every miss sent me a little deeper into a malaise that lingered well past dinner.

So when UC plays Ohio State, it honestly feels like my brothers are fighting each other.  I want to run out onto the field and intervene.

That's why I don't like when Ohio teams play each other. It's just not cool.

Yet somehow..it totally is.  And now sports has become a Ren video.  See what I'm saying?

It's goofy.

But it's also awesome.

Most fans live for these games because they get bragging rights. They spend all week talking with friends, coworkers and family members who support the other side. Then, after the game, somebody gets to enjoy saying, "I told you so."

I've never cared much about that part. To be honest, I absolutely loathe the trash talk. (I'm looking at you, UC fans, every time the Bearcats play Ohio State. Look, I went to UC. I love that university. But some of the things I read online before those games are just embarrassing. Stop. Please.)

What I enjoy is watching Ohio teams compete against everybody else. If the Crew are playing Nashville, I hope Columbus wins. If FC Cincinnati is playing Atlanta, I hope Cincinnati wins. If the Browns are taking on Pittsburgh, or the Reds are hosting the Cubs, I'm all in. It feels like the entire state is pulling in the same direction, even if it's spread across different leagues and different cities.

Then the schedule gives us Crew versus Cincinnati or Browns versus Bengals, and suddenly one of my teams has to lose.

Of course, I know that's how sports work. Rivalries aren't going anywhere, nor should they. Hell Is Real has become one of the best rivalries in American sports because supporters on both sides have embraced it. Browns-Bengals games matter because they're divisional matchups. Guardians-Reds games are a reminder that Ohio is home to two proud—and historic—baseball franchises.

I'll continue watching every one of them.

I'll cheer when somebody scores a great goal, makes a spectacular catch or throws a game-winning touchdown. And when the final whistle or final out arrives, I'll congratulate the winner just like everyone else.

I just know that, for me, every celebration comes with one tiny, unavoidable thought in the back of my mind.

It's too bad the other Ohio team had to lose.

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew once again proved why home-field advantage has mattered in the Hell Is Real Derby.

After falling behind early, Columbus scored twice before halftime and held off a late push from FC Cincinnati to earn a 2-1 victory Saturday night at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The win snapped Cincinnati's five-match road unbeaten streak and gave the Crew an important three points in the Eastern Conference standings.

FC Cincinnati struck first in the ninth minute when Kévin Denkey finished a setup from Evander and Pavel Bucha for his 15th goal in all competitions this season. The early goal quieted the home crowd, but Columbus steadily worked its way back into the match by controlling possession and creating opportunities in the attacking third.

The equalizer arrived in the 42nd minute.

Dylan Chambost delivered a corner kick into the penalty area, where Jamal Thiaré rose above the defense and headed the ball into the back of the net to level the match at 1-1. Deep into first-half stoppage time, the Crew completed the comeback after Max Arfsten was fouled inside the box. Dániel Gazdag calmly converted the penalty kick, sending Columbus into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.

The second half featured the intensity expected whenever Ohio's two MLS clubs meet.

Patrick Schulte preserved the lead with several key saves, while the Crew defense withstood Cincinnati's pressure over the final 45 minutes. Tempers flared in stoppage time when FC Cincinnati's Gerardo Valenzuela was shown a red card following a reckless challenge on Taha Habroune, bringing another heated chapter to one of Major League Soccer's fiercest rivalries.

Columbus finished with a slight edge in possession and shots on target, making the most of its opportunities after conceding the opening goal. More importantly, the Crew earned a rivalry victory that provided momentum as they continued climbing the Eastern Conference standings.

What's Next: The Crew continue MLS play Friday when they host Inter Miami CF at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The match will feature another marquee Eastern Conference matchup as Columbus looks to build on its rivalry victory.

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew controlled possession for much of Wednesday night's match, but New York City FC made the most of its opportunities and handed the Crew a 2-1 loss at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Nicolás Fernández Mercau converted a first-half penalty before Agustín Ojeda doubled New York City's lead in the 70th minute. Dániel Gazdag scored from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but the late goal wasn't enough to prevent Columbus from dropping its first MLS match following the league's summer break.

The Crew spent much of the opening half on the front foot, enjoying nearly 60 percent possession and completing passes at a high rate, but quality scoring chances were difficult to come by. Columbus managed just one shot on target before halftime as New York City remained organized defensively.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 28th minute after being awarded a penalty. Fernández Mercau calmly converted from the spot to give New York City a 1-0 advantage despite Columbus controlling much of the early play.

The Crew pushed for an equalizer after the break and nearly found one through Taha Habroune, whose low effort forced a quality save from goalkeeper Matt Freese. Columbus continued to generate possession, but New York City capitalized on one of its few clear opportunities when Ojeda finished a cross from Talles Magno to double the lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Columbus refused to go quietly.

The Crew were awarded a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time after a handball inside the area, and Gazdag buried the spot kick to cut the deficit in half. Moments later, Habroune had one final opportunity to rescue a point, but his shot sailed wide of the target as the final whistle sounded.

Although the result was disappointing, the statistics illustrated just how evenly played the match was. Columbus finished with a 58.6 percent possession advantage and completed nearly 89 percent of its passes, but New York City proved more clinical in front of goal, placing five shots on target and converting twice.

The loss dropped the Crew back into MLS action on a sour note, but they won't have to wait long for an opportunity to bounce back.

What's Next: Columbus welcomes FC Cincinnati to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Saturday in the latest edition of the Hell Is Real Derby. The rivalry match marks the first meeting between the in-state rivals this season and carries significant implications in the Eastern Conference standings.

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew are headed to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals for the first time since 2010.

Max Arfsten broke a scoreless deadlock in the 59th minute, and the Crew made the goal stand as they defeated New York City FC 1-0 Wednesday night at Lower.com Field to advance to the tournament's final four. Columbus will host Orlando City SC in the semifinals later this summer.

The quarterfinal was the type of tightly contested match often expected in knockout competition.

Neither side generated many clear scoring opportunities during the opening 45 minutes. Columbus controlled possession for long stretches but found New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese difficult to beat, while the Crew defense limited the visitors to few dangerous chances of their own. Nicholas Hagen was rarely tested in goal, preserving the scoreless draw through halftime.

The breakthrough finally came just before the hour mark.

Nariman Akhundzada threaded a pass into the path of Arfsten, who calmly worked his way into the penalty area before sending a low right-footed shot beyond Freese and into the far corner. The finish gave Columbus a 1-0 advantage and proved to be all the offense the Crew would need.

New York City pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer over the final 30 minutes, but Columbus remained organized defensively. The Crew closed passing lanes, won key challenges in the air and prevented the visitors from creating many quality chances in front of goal.

The Crew nearly added an insurance goal late in the match as Hugo Picard and Jamal Thiaré each forced Freese into impressive saves, but Columbus remained content to protect its one-goal lead through the final whistle.

The victory continues an encouraging stretch for interim head coach Laurent Courtois, who returned the Crew to their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation for the quarterfinal. Columbus looked comfortable throughout the evening, controlling possession and dictating much of the play while advancing one step closer to the club's first U.S. Open Cup title.

For Columbus, the result keeps another trophy opportunity alive.

Already among Major League Soccer's perennial contenders, the Crew now find themselves just two victories away from lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time since 2002.

What's Next: The Crew return to MLS play this weekend before turning their attention back to the U.S. Open Cup later this summer. Columbus will host Orlando City SC in the semifinal, with the winner advancing to the tournament final.

COLUMBUS — Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that Columbus Crew midfielder Max Arfsten and defender Steven Moreira have been named to the 2026 MLS All-Star roster.

This marks the second career All-Star selection for both players, with Arfsten earning the honor for the second consecutive season. The dynamic duo was hand-selected by Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith, who is coaching the All-Star squad.

Arfsten has put together a spectacular campaign, starting all 15 MLS matches for the Black & Gold while logging five goals and four assists. The 25-year-old playmaker has been highly consistent, generating at least one goal contribution in eight of his past 12 appearances. Meanwhile, Moreira—a former MLS Defender of the Year—has anchored the backline with 13 starts and two assists.

Both players recently returned to Ohio after representing their respective countries on the world stage. Arfsten made his official U.S. Men's National Team debut during the second half of the USMNT's Round of 16 match against Belgium. Simultaneously, Moreira helped guide Cape Verde through a historic, tournament-frenzied debut. He appeared in all four games, with 3 starts during the Cape Verde’s Cinderella run to the knockout rounds, registering 301 total minutes.

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will take place on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The midsummer showcase will pit the MLS All-Stars against the premier talent of Mexico's Liga MX.