Game Info

Date: May 20, 2026 | Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field

Kickoff Forecast: 59° F, 10 mph winds NE, chance of rain

Broadcast Info

TV: Paramount+/CBS Sports Golazo Network (English)

Radio: 105.7 FM WXZX (English), 103.1 FM WWLA & 107.1 FM WWLG (Spanish)

Broadcast	PxP	Analyst
Paramount+/Golazo Network English	TBC	TBC
Radio English	Chris Doran	N/A
Radio Spanish	Juan Valladares	N/A

Injury Report (As of May 17th, Current Reports Unavailable)

Columbus Crew

• Wessam Abou Ali - Knee (Out)
• Malte Amundsen - Thigh (Out)
• Jamal Thiaré - Lower Leg (Out)
• Dylan Chambost - Ankle (Questionable)

NYCFC

• Alonso Martínez - Leg (Out)
• Drew Baiera - Leg (Out)
• Talles Magno - Leg (Out)
• Max Murray - Leg (Out)
• Aiden O’Neill - Leg (Out)
• Kevin O’Toole - Leg (Out)
• Maxi Moralez - Leg (Out)

Match Officials

• REF: TBC
• AR1: TBC
• AR2: TBC
• 4TH: TBC

Form Guide, All Comps (Oldest to Newest)

Columbus : W W L L L D | Home Form: L D W W W L

NYCFC : L W L W W D | Away Form: L W L W W D

Last 3 Meetings

Comp	Result	Date
MLS Regular Season	3-0 L	5/10/2026
MLS Regular Season	3-2 L	9/17/2025
MLS Regular Season	0-0 D	3/22/2025

Head Coach Henrik Rydström

On breaking down the match

“It was a good start. I can give my view from the whole of the game. If you put it into context, As we have talked about before, we have had some tough game pictures against us where we ourselves have played good and then we have conceded in the second half and lost the game. Then we had the (New York) City (FC) game. It feels like we played that like two months ago, but it was one week [ago]. As I mentioned, also, the feeling in that game was a little bit like we had in the first games of the season in the league. No real energy. Outspread. Even if we could have scored in that game, it was a bad performance. I think the reaction was really good against Red Bull (New York) and then again didn't get any points on that performance. It's easy to feel sorry for yourself, but I think what we showed in the first half was a team that doesn't feel sorry for itself. I also said before we know that Philly are really underrated. Also, what I was pointing at before, we and them are two teams that have been not getting the points we maybe should have gotten, if you look at the games. We knew it was going to be tough. The way we handled them in the first half, I was happy. When you have the lead and they get more and more desperate, then you know the second half is going to be choppy. What it gave us, the second half, was a lot of opportunities to threaten them in behind and then hurt them on the counter. We didn't have the quality in those moments. We missed the last pass. It got stuck on their last line instead of five meters longer and it would be like a clean situation with their keeper. That was what they gambled with in the second half. They started to push up. They were more aggressive. As everybody knows, we don't have a striker now. It will be moments in games where the opponent can start to step. Again, we were close in hurting them in those kind of situations, but we didn't have that natural killer instinct to go in behind. Of course, the feeling when we conceded, it was again a cross from the side where we don't sort it out in the box as we should. It was no difficult situation. It was bad defending from our side. Instead of losing the game, I think we raised the level. Of course, there were some counterattack situation in their favor, but [we had] the (Defender Andrés) Herrera chance and (Midfielder) Hugo (Picard) didn't even shoot. It's two big chances where we could have won the game. Overall, I like the spirit the team showed."

On Defender Mohamed Farsi starting for the first time since July 2025 and having an impact on the match, both when he was playing and was substituted

“Of course, I need to see the game again and maybe I change my mind, but I don't think so. I'm really happy with what he gave us. Don't forget about his energy, his body language and his way of being as a person. We have missed that. I like what he brought to the team. Also, in the game, I don't know how many times in the first half where they tried to trap us on the side and we find what I call ‘out-in’ and we play through them with Mo’s positioning. He was calm with the ball. We know he's good with the ball, but he's been out for a while. I'm also very happy with his defending. There was one time when he [wasn’t] in line with the rest of the back line so they could play through us in the first half, but then he saved the day by defending alone against three opponents. It was good to see.”

On the Crew’s resilience coming back from three tough matches, particularly the game at Red Bull New York as another example of not being able to maintain a lead

“It's a mind game for sure. Been touching that subject before. Last season, end of the season, a lot of like late goals and tough losses, and it's a lot of the same players. When you experience that couple of times like we have done this season, it is quite human to react and be a little bit afraid in those situations. In this game, it was more due to that they turned up the volume in the second half and started to really try to go for it. We were not passive. We didn't just leave the ball to them. Yeah, we had some ball losses, but it comes down to their pressing game and that we got a little bit tired. We were not afraid of losing anything. Against Red Bull, it was a set piece from nowhere. These two games, I said it after Red Bull, we need to understand where we are. That doesn't mean that we don't fight for every victory and every point, but we lack some players. We had some hits. I see the progress we do with the ball. I see the progress we do in how we defend, also, against this kind of team. We have taken four points from them, and we know how tough they are. I try to divide the feelings, sort the feelings out and see the steps we take. Then of course, we need to defend better in some other situations, and we will.”

On the Crew not having a true striker following injuries and if he’s had conversations with General Manager Issa Tall about it

“Yeah, we talk. We sold (former Crew and Toulouse Forward Jacen) Russell-Rowe before a couple of weeks before the MLS started. We brought (Forward) Jamal (Thiaré) in from Atlanta. We were very happy with our attacking line. We had (Forward) Diego (Rossi), (Midfielder Daniel) Gazdag), (Midfielder) Max (Arfsten) and (Midfielder) Hugo (Picard), and then (Forward) Wess (Abou Ali) got a serious injury and is out the rest of the season. Jamal, he had some trouble before with his calf and that came back. Of course, you can't have that depth in the squad – you have two strikers of like high level [out due to injury]. We have a lot of midfielders. That's why I say if you look at it, we are still one of the best teams in the league to score in open play. Again, I'm quite happy with the way we create scoring opportunities and how we can have the ball without two strikers. It's nothing the Club can do anything about. It's just unluck, and we will sort it out this summer. I have no problems with it. Maybe it was not what you meant neither, but I have no problems with it. I like the way we play. I like the way we found other solutions. Gazdag has played more now. Hugo has scored and scored an amazing goal now. Max has scored. I think we find other ways to compensate. Due to like tactical [factors and] to not have a threat in behind more than we have right now, of course, an opponent they know it so we need to be really good with the ball to be able to solve it. I think overall we have done it.”

Midfielder Daniel Gazdag

On his thoughts on the match and returning to Philadelphia

“Yeah, I think first off, we did a very good job on the ball and also against the ball. We controlled the game. I wouldn't say it was a very intense game in the first half, but we controlled it really good. We wouldn't let them create anything, and second half, I think they woke up a little bit, they turned it to the way they like to play, and they created the chances at the end of the game but I think it was good fight from us.”

On if the team thought they would need another goal to win the match at halftime

“Yeah, obviously we talked about that. I don't know why in the second half we just couldn't create chances.”

On if he was putting pressure on himself to score a goal

“Yeah, I mean, everyone's under pressure, obviously. The season is frustrating for us, the results are not good, so everyone's under pressure, obviously I’m involved as well. So, yeah.”

On what made Philadelphia Union effective in the second half

“Yeah, it's hard to tell how exactly. We need to watch it back and let's see what they changed. I felt that they jumped more on me and Diego (Rossi) so we didn't have as much space between the lines as in the first half. I think that could have been what changed.”

On how the team battles through periods of time when the breaks don’t go their way

“Yeah, I mean, there are periods like this in everyone's career. I think we are going through a situation as a team when things just are not going our way. All we can do is keep working hard, and hopefully things can turn around, and we can catch up on the table.”

Defender Mohamed Farsi

General thoughts on the game and how he felt after his first start of the season

“Physically I felt good. Before the game, I didn’t know how long I could go but surprisingly even after I got subbed off, I was still feeling good. But it’s better to not take any risks, it’s the first game I started in 10 months. But I felt good, I felt some connections with the boys on my side. I think we played well, we played well with the ball. The second half was a bit harder, I’ll be honest, unfortunately we conceded the goal but overall I think it’s positive. It’s positive, we were quick with the ball, we moved the ball well. Actually, I think we could have scored more goals but unfortunately couldn’t do it. We’re going to adapt and be ready for the Open Cup game on Wednesday.”

On Henrik Rydstrom saying the team is going through an unlucky period and how to deal with that

“I don’t like to talk about lucky or unlucky. I think in life you deserve what you get and sometimes not. But I think tonight we might have deserved a bit better, you know. But credit to them, they didn’t stop and they went all in and scored the equalizer. I think the second half, we didn’t play as good as the first half, unfortunately. So that’s on us. But we didn’t keep the same intensity, the same desire to play football in the second half.

Game Info

Date: May 16, 2026 | Venue: Subaru Park

Coverage Starts: 7:30 PM ET | Estimated Kickoff: 7:39 PM ET

Kickoff Forecast: 77° F, 8 mph winds S

Broadcast Info

TV: Apple TV (English and Spanish)

Radio: 105.7 FM WXZX (English), 103.1 FM WWLA & 107.1 FM WWLG (Spanish)

Broadcast	PxP	Analyst
Apple TV English	Callum Williams	Calem Carr
Apple TV Spanish	Pablo Ramirez	Jesus Bracamontes
Radio English	Chris Doran	N/A
Radio Spanish	Juan Valladares	N/A

Kit Info

Team	Shirt	Shorts	Socks	Keeper Color
Columbus	Yellow	Black	Yellow	Purple
Philadelphia	Navy	Navy	Navy	Green

Availability Report

Columbus Crew

• Wessam Abou Ali - Knee (Out)
• Malte Amundsen - Thigh (Out)
• Jamal Thiaré - Lower Leg (Out)
• Dylan Chambost - Ankle (Questionable)

Philadelphia Union

• Jesús Bueno - Ankle (Out)
• Eddy Davis III - Hamstring (Out)
• Japhet Sery Larsen - Shoulder (Out)
• Quinn Sullivan - Knee (Out)
• Frankie Westfield - Hip (Out)

Match Officials

• REF: Armando Villareal
• AR1: Ryan Graves
• AR2: Diego Blas
• 4TH: Ricardo Montero Araya
• VAR: Michael Radchuk
• AVAR: Tom Felice

Form Guide, All Comps (Oldest to Newest)

Columbus : W W W L L L | Away Form: L W W L L L

Philadelphia : D D L D L L | Home Form: L L L L D D

Last 3 Meetings

Comp	Result	Date
MLS Regular Season	2-0 W	4/25/2026
MLS Regular Season	1-0 W	6/29/2025
MLS Regular Season	2-2 D	5/10/2025

Head Coach Henrik Rydström

On if he’s familiar with the term ‘when it rains it pours’ and if that’s applicable based on the Crew’s previous challenges manifesting themselves during tonight’s match

“I haven't heard that kind of saying before, but maybe it feels like that.”

On the Crew conceding a hat trick to an opposing forward in back-to-back matches

“First of all, we were really disappointed after the game. We played three days ago, Sunday, against New York City. We were passive. We gave away the ball too easily. Then maybe we were showing something in the second half. This game, I think was different. It was a good reaction from the players. It's not always easy to go out and play a couple of days later. We have some emotional, tough situations against us. Also, in the games, it happens again where they scored the second one even the fourth official says it's a clear free kick. He tells that to the referee and [he] looks at it, but for some reason, he can't see it. Then about margins, I've said before, you get what you deserve. You need to think like that. At some point, you also can say that, yeah, there are some things against us and we could have gotten the penalty, but instead, it became a free kick on the line. It's small margins. Even if we conceded that second goal, I think we put in the effort in the second half. Another set piece goal against. I think it's the fourth time we lose the game on a set piece goal. In that sense it repeats itself. Obviously, we haven't fixed it. I can look at that. Also, the goals we conceded, it's too easy for them to get access to our penalty box. We know it, we work on it. I can't say so much more than sometimes you get punished for some silly mistakes or small mistakes. We get punished quite easily. I don't think the opponents really play in a way so they deserve it, but they push us down and in so many situations in our penalty box, I think overall almost every game we have played so far this season, we are more often in our opponents’ penalty box, but still, they can hurt us.”

On the decisions for Forward Diego Rossi to start on the bench and Homegrown Defender Owen Presthus to earn the start in his MLS debut

“For the first question with Diego, it's quite simple: He is the one I played the most. We have played a lot of games now in a short period of time. We have a new game on Saturday. We have a game the upcoming week and then we have the last game in the league before the break. It's more to make sure that one Diego doesn't get injured but also have fresh legs. In one way, you could say that it played out quite well to get him into the second half. He was involved in situations. He scored the goal. Then we lost the game. Hopefully, he is ready to go on Saturday. It's difficult to play three games in a short period of time. That was the reason. Owen, it's good that we can give playing time to our young players. We miss (Defender) Malte (Amundsen). I've tried to find a replacement there. I think Owen deserved the playing time.”

On getting the players in the right frame of mind with tonight’s match that resulted in a loss and a game on Saturday at Philadelphia

“The game we played against New York City, I could tell the players that in some parts that was not good enough. In this game, I can just say to the players that I really enjoyed so many parts of the game. We know that Red Bull is one of the best pressing teams in the league, if you look at numbers. Then they concede also because they put in that effort and press high. How we played through that pressure, that was a joy to see. With that said, of course, I'm so irritated and disappointed. If I separate the different feelings to say that it was a good game in many aspects, and that's the only way you can digest the game and move forward. Of course, as a player, you give everything. So far this season, it's been a lot of games where you feel after that you play well and we could have won the game, but we didn't win it. If you understand what I mean when I say it's better to have it like that, even if it hurts a lot, than have it like after the New York City game where the performance is not good enough. In one way, the emotions are almost bigger; when you play well, you feel you deserve something more and then you don't get it, and it's quite late again when we concede. To answer your question, in one way, it's easier for me to move to the next game because we did this so good, and I have a good group of players and persons so they know how to reset and go again. The only thing when you play a lot games is that you don't have time to work maybe on those [things]. We we have seen the set pieces and how we defend on that, but it comes down to when we’re penalty box defending. We have, I think, twice as many situations in their penalty box, but they were better than us to block the cross and take away. Even if we did that, also, in the end of the game, we had a situation where we blocked three shots in a row. Overall, still we give the opponent two big chances, and we don't have time now to work on it. Yeah, the only way is to keep on having the awareness and believing that the margins will bounce our way. We will soon probably win two games in a row without deserving it, and then I will be happy and irritated at the same time.”

On what the team plans to accomplish in the next two days when traveling to Philadelphia tomorrow and training two days there before playing the Philadelphia Union

“I touched on the subject before. We know where we are. We lack big names. We lost some big names before the season and then we lost – I don't need to repeat the names… I talked with the Swedes in Red Bulls… I should not say too much about what they said to me privately. They thought were tough to play against, but we don't have a striker. No, we don't so we know where we are when it comes to that. It's also the expectations on the Club and the team are always big and should be, but at this point where we are right now, we need to lower that a little bit. That's how I speak to the players, also, but without taking away the demands that I come back to the [New York] City game, we didn't do what were supposed to do from the beginning. This game, we did so to find out to and to put up the performances like this, but we also know we are in a period where we need to really dig in. It's positive things with that, also. Playing time, some other players have played a little bit more. (Midfielder) Sekou (Bangoura) started to play. I think (Midfielder André) Gomes did his best game so far. (Midfielder) Nariman (Akhundzada) came in. There are positive things there, also. To answer your question, we need to know where we are as a group and that it's top weak in front of us but also a lot of challenges in a nice way. We will stay tonight here, and then we leave tomorrow. We’re going to have a training tomorrow, and then we go to Philadelphia. Then it will be a good game. I think they lost at the end of the game so it will be two wounded animals that play against each other.”

On if he is taking notes about how the Crew can make improvements tactically and with personnel as the Club approaches the summer World Cup break

“Yeah, for sure, I do. I have talked about demands, and I think in one way, we are really pushing hard and we squeeze out a lot of things from the player group and where the squad is right now. I've said it before, we didn't get any real new blood into the team before the season. I would say it's crucial to add quality, to add energy and to add personality, but I know the Club is looking for that all the time. That would be the case even without (Forward) Wess’ (Abou Ali) injury, (Forward) Jamal's (Thiaré) injury and (Defender) Malte's (Amundsen) injury. I think we have seen during the spring here or the first part that we can play some really good football. We give ourselves the possibility, but in some phases of the game, we are not where we need to be. Yeah, I have some notes.”

Defender Sean Zawadzki

On the current frustration level of the team following the result

“It's always frustrating you don't win a game, and if we look at the positive side of things, it's how we played on Sunday? This was a step up in terms of how we played with the ball. I think we saw how good we can be with the ball, how free flowing we are. And I think you saw that for 90 minutes today, albeit the result, obviously, was the result. But I think that the way we played through the lines created some good chance, got the wide crosses and posed some really dangerous opportunities for ourselves, but at the end of the day, it's still frustrating, no matter what. To play as good as we did, and then still lose. It's frustrating.”

If there are similarities in the hat tricks that have been scored by the opposition in the past two matches

“I think tonight you saw an up-and-coming player in the league, has real quality to score a lot of goals this year already, and his movement is really good for his age. His blind side runs off the back shoulder, there's times I don't like know he's coming, and he's just in the right space, right spot, right time, and it's a one-touch finish. And I think you saw that every time, he's in the right spot, cross, one-touch finish. And I think a lot of his goals this year have come like that. So it's obviously the same thing. It's frustrating. And I hold it on myself that it continued to happen, and that bled through today. So yeah."

On the last Red Bull goal coming from a set piece and what the team needs to put it behind them

“I think our mentality is always to analyze the game and see what we did good, what we did bad, and analyze it that way. And how can we move on to the next one? Never easy, analyzing the game after a loss, but it's the reality of things. It's facing that. And how can we learn from the things that, I don't want to say haunt but are there and put our body on the line and recognize it and be willing to do what needs to be done in these tough moments. And stay strong together, you know, and battle through these moments."

As captain, if it’s on his mind during the game of how to keep the team moving forward after conceding a goal

“Yeah, it is. It's always on my mind when we do concede a goal. How can I, even when we're playing really well. You know, the first three minutes, we kept the ball the entire time, they didn't touch the ball. So it's, how can you not be positive about that? You know, the way we start the game is really good. Then we concede the goal. How can I help continue to instill that within the team that the confidence should still be there with how we started the game, playing with the ball, creating chances, things like that. And after every time we concede a goal, how can I continue to keep that belief, and continue to believe and let that bleed through to the team? We came back. We got 1-0, 2-1, and we came back. Obviously, in the end, we don't come back to score a third, but the resiliency is there and the fight is there. And when times are tough, how can I, as a leader on this team, continue to push the guys and continue to let them know that there's reasons to still believe. We believe in this. We believe in ourselves, we believe in the coaches. And how can we continue to go with that and continue to fight and look forward to this next game, give everything. Because at the end of day, that's all we can do, put this in the past, and now we look forward to Saturday in Philly and give everything we can.”

On the macro level how the team handles disappointment while facing the quick turnaround before the next match

“Yeah. I mean, I think it's no different than what we've done after any game. We're gonna sit down and analyze as a team and watch the film back and see the good moments and the bad. And I think as players and as individuals, we have to own up to things that have happened. It happened in the game and realize it. And okay, now take in on the chin and put it behind us. Recognize it, but put it behind us, because there's another game on Saturday. You know, it's a quick turnaround. That's what it's been. You know, for us, it's alright. This happened. It’s behind us, and now fast forward to Saturday, because it's another opportunity, another game that, you know it's back end of a three games, and what seven days, and then you know, we're gonna turn around and we have two games after that, but all focus is on Saturday, putting everything we can to end this first stretch of three games in seven days, on the best note possible.”

Midfielder Taha Habroune

On how difficult it is for the team to stay positive during this stretch

“I would say it’s really disappointing. It is pretty hard to stay positive. But I mean, we know we have the players capable and we're capable of doing so, so much better than what we've been doing since the since the start of the season, honestly. But I would just say it's super, super disappointing.”

On if the team feels like they are in a “when it rains it pours” situation

“Honestly, today, I would say I didn't really feel like that throughout the game. I feel like we had more of the ball, and we were creating more chances, which is why it's even more disappointing, because throughout the game, all of us felt like it was a lot better than what the last game was, for sure, and to concede those types of goal, it's frustrating.”

On his view of the hit on Max Arfsten that led to a counterattack goal for RBNY

“I kind of saw it, and it did look like he, I don't know who the defender was, had two hands on his back before the ball was even near Max. I didn't see it super clearly, but everyone around me said it was a foul, so I thought it was a foul too.”

Game Info

Date: May 13, 2026 | Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium

Coverage Starts: 7:30 PM ET | Estimated Kickoff: 7:39 PM ET

Kickoff Forecast: 66° F, 13 mph winds N

Broadcast Info

TV: Apple TV (English and Spanish)

Radio: 105.7 FM WXZX (English), 103.1 FM WWLA & 107.1 FM WWLG (Spanish)

Broadcast	PxP	Analyst
Apple TV English	Steve Cangialosi	Danny Higginbotham
Apple TV Spanish	Bruno Vain	Andres Agulla
Radio English	Chris Doran	N/A
Radio Spanish	Juan Valladares	N/A

Kit Info

Team	Shirt	Shorts	Socks	Keeper Color
Columbus	Yellow	Black	Yellow	Blue
NY Red Bulls	Black	Black	Black	Purple

Availability Report

Columbus Crew

• Wessam Abou Ali - Knee (Out)
• Jamal Thiaré - Lower Leg (Out)
• Malte Amundsen - Thigh (Questionable)
• Dylan Chambost - Ankle (Questionable)

NY Red Bulls

• A.J. Marcucci - Knee (Out)
• Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting - Knee (Questionable)

Match Officials

• REF: Pierre-Luc Lauzière
• AR1: Brian Dunn
• AR2: Eduardo Jeff
• 4TH: Luis Diego Arroyo
• VAR: Timothy Ford
• AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert

Form Guide, All Comps (Oldest to Newest)

Columbus : L W W W L L | Away Form: D L W W L L

NY Red Bulls : L D L L L W | Home Form: L W W D L L

Last 3 Meetings

Comp	Result	Date
MLS Regular Season	3-1 W	10/18/2025
MLS Regular Season	0-0 D	8/30/2025
MLS Playoffs Round 1	2(5)-2(4) D (eliminated on PKs)	11/3/2024

Head Coach Henrik Rydström

On New York City FC scoring two early goals and the Crew looking to come back from it

“It’s the first game where we had to chase something for a long period. The other games have been even when you look at the score. Now, what is it? After 10-15 minutes, it's 2-0 down. To answer your question, it's lack of intensity. We don't compete from the beginning. I can stop there. It sounds maybe very… How do I put it? Thin? If you ask me also, why are we not here to compete from the beginning? You didn't ask it, but I asked the question anyway. I think we overall so far this season have been fighting and shown that kind of spirit, and that's why the games have also been alive so long. Of course, there are structural things, also. They didn't do anything we were not prepared for. We had them in situations… I think about our pressing game, we pressed them and we won the ball, but we couldn't really take advantage of it. They did it. The first goal is us just letting them play through us, not stepping and then we allowed them to finish from close range. The second one is we lose the ball, and again, [we aren’t] really able to stop that counterattack. For me it looked a little bit like in the beginning of the season. The last six games, we have been good to erase those kind of behaviors. The behaviors from the first part of the season repeated [themselves] this game.”

On how surprising it is that the Crew didn’t have an intensity to start today’s match and if there potentially was a carryover from the 3-2 loss to Minnesota United FC on Saturday

“It could be [a carryover]. As we have talked about, there were a lot of tough [moments]. We ended the last season with a tough run of the sorts where there were a lot of late goals against. This season started a little bit in that way and then we turned it around and started to play well. Like I've said before, the six games before for this have been in a good way. Yeah, we conceded three [goals] on set pieces the last game and dropped victory. Of course, even if we try to work with it and they are prepared for setbacks, you never know; it's human beings. It could have been that. Nobody in the coaching staff felt it in the warmup and so on. I'm always straight and honest, and I think it's important that we understand where we are. We are not a team that if we don't have fire and work ethic, we don't just outplay an opponent and score a lot of goals. You could say that in the end it was an even game, where maybe it was probably not 3-0, but still, we didn't compete from the beginning. If we don't do that from the start, then we don't have that quality so we can control it anyway. We need to understand where we are. The good thing is that… If it's good, second half, we gave it a try. We were close to scoring the first goal in the second half, but we didn't do it. For me, it's more again the players, the organization and the coaches, we understand the hard work we need to put in every day to change where we are right now, and we will. This was a disappointment for sure.”

On the Crew maintaining possession, crediting New York City FC’s defending in the box and the difference in finishing ability for both clubs

“I would say that was like a spot on analysis of how it was. That's why I say it was in one way an even game, but of course, when you concede two goals quite early, you know the margins [for] mistakes are very thin. They were sharper, they were better than us in those decisive moments. We have talked about that, also. The box defending, we have been good – it's not my opinion when we look at the underlying numbers – in the high press with four victories, we don't concede high xG and we don't concede a lot of shots against, but the chances we concede are too big. We don't help back enough. That was the same last year. Our box defending needs to be better. Yeah, for sure, they did a terrific job – our opponent, they were building. When we had the ball, we had a lot of possibilities in the penalty box, but we couldn't create more from it. I don't feel positive right now, but I know how I am when I look at the game again because it's, as I said after last [week], it's up to us. First, you look yourself in the mirror, and then you have to train better. Also, we need to add strength in the squad. Of course, when (Forward) Wess (Abou Ali) is out and (Forward) Jamal (Thiaré) is out, it's two big threats for the opponent. How can we still keep going? Today, we were enough in the penalty box, but we need to do more with the time we have between the games, so we develop the players more.”

Defender Sean Zawadzki

On if there was any negative carry over from the last match vs. Minnesota United FC or if it was two separate games

“I would say it was two completely separate games. Think you look at Minnesota, we did really well, and we conceded set piece goals. I think this one's a different game, and they kind of hurt us in different ways today.”

On the biggest issue today and NYCFC’s first two goals

“I think there was, I don't know what the reason was, but I think we were a little disjointed in the way we wanted to press and they broke it, and then they were able to run at us and create some good chances and put the ball in dangerous spots.”

On if the team didn’t bring enough intensity into today’s match

“I think that can always bleed into what it is. Sometimes you give them a little bit too much time, you think you're close enough and put their head down and make it difficult for them, but sometimes you get there and they have too much time on the ball and then allows them that little extra second to kind of create those dangerous chances.”

On the difficulty of today’s loss and how the team moves forward

“I think every time you lose a game in this league, it’s tough. You prepare for it, and you think you got a good plan going into it, and then you’re not good enough on the day sometimes. It’s really frustrating when that happens, and it's now, how can we put this one behind us? We’ll sit there tomorrow, watch the game back and see what we can improve, and then put it past us and look forward to Wednesday, because now it's another tough test on Wednesday in New Jersey against the Red Bulls. So how can we learn from this one, but also now look forward to Wednesday and prepare for that one, just in any way we can to prepare mentally and go into it and make it difficult for them.”

On if there wasn’t enough intensity from the team in tonight’s match

“I think as a player, and as a player for this Club, you want to give 100% every game. Sometimes it's everything you can, you give everything you can, and sometimes maybe you can kind of fall short. I can't fault anyone on this team for the way they play, for the effort they give. We have a good group of guys. Sometimes we can be too nice at the end of the day, which can maybe hurt us. I know every single guy in that locker room will always give their all, and it's sometimes, maybe we're there and they have that extra second, like I was saying earlier, and it allows them to create those dangerous chances. And on the day, they created chances and were dangerous and were able to capitalize on them. I think we responded well in the beginning of the second half. I think we were able to kind of create some chances there, and then I think that third goal they had was a little bit of a gut punch to us. It was hard to take that after feeling like we were kind of back in the game in the second half to create those chances. I think if we score that next goal it would have changed the game, but for them to get the third one, it made it hard. But I can't fault the guys, because at the end of the day, they can hold their own. We still fight, and we're still going, and I think that's what this team is built on. There are times when things are tough, and how can you embrace the opportunity to learn from it? And today, like I said, they were better on the day. And sometimes that happens in this league. And now it's acknowledging that and looking at what went wrong and how we learn from that and look forward to the next game.”

Midfielder Dylan Chambost

On if the team was surprised by how the match started

“We cannot be surprised. We were aware of what their intentions were. We knew this team. We knew it was a tough game, but no, we cannot be surprised in soccer. You have to be ready since the first minute of the game, and obviously we were not today.”

On if the team felt ready for this match after last week

“Yeah, of course, of course. We've been working a lot every day. We worked a lot this week. Yeah, we were ready. We were excited to play. I think before their goal, we were okay. And then I think we were not strong enough mentally so far this season, when we concede a goal, we struggle to keep going, and we have to work on it.”

On how the team can work on their mentality to improve in matches

“We have to talk between each other. We have to work every day, every day in training to hate losing, even when we do games in training every day, we have to have this intention of winning and stay together. I think we are together. We talk a lot, but we need to do more. We need to do more obviously. So far in this season, we have lost too many games. We really want to improve this season.”

On NYCFC’s counterattacks and if he has felt that the team has struggled with counterattacks

“I think we've been good so far in counterattacks. We didn't concede a lot but we have to find this balance between pressing and at the same time, stay compact and win the second ball, and especially on their first goal, I think we were obviously too open. And when you play against a good team like them, we cannot do that, especially away. Sometimes we have to stay compact in a block instead of pressing. We should have, maybe on this play, talk to our offensive line and drop a little bit too.”

On what the message was at halftime

“We wanted to win this game. It's what we said at the halftime. Let's score the first goal and they're going to have some doubt in their heads. I think we got few chances to score. It was better, but we didn't find a way to score, and they scored the third one.

Game Info

Date: May 10, 2026 | Venue: Yankee Stadium

Coverage Starts: 4:30 PM ET | Estimated Kickoff: 4:39 PM ET

Kickoff Forecast: 70° F, 10 mph winds SW, chance of rain

Broadcast Info

TV: Apple TV (English and Spanish)

Radio: 105.7 FM WXZX (English), 103.1 FM WWLA & 107.1 FM WWLG (Spanish)

Broadcast	PxP	Analyst
Apple TV English	Neil Sika	Giovanni Savarese
Apple TV Spanish	Diego Pessolano	Daniel Chapela
Radio English	Chris Doran	N/A
Radio Spanish	Juan Valladares	N/A

Kit Info

Team	Shirt	Shorts	Socks	Keeper Color
Columbus	Black	Black	Black	Orange
NYCFC	Blue	White	Blue	Purple

Availability Report

Columbus Crew

• Wessam Abou Ali - Knee (Out)
• Jamal Thiaré - Lower Leg (Out)
• Malte Amundsen - Thigh (Questionable)

NYCFC

• Drew Baiera - Leg (Out)
• Talles Magno - Leg (Out)
• Alonso Martínez - Leg (Out)
• Max Murray - Leg (Out)
• Aiden O’Neill - Leg (Out)
• Kevin O’Toole - Leg (Out)
• Andrés Perea - Leg (Out)

Match Officials

• REF: Rubiel Vazquez
• AR1: Nick Uranga
• AR2: Jose Da Silva
• 4TH: Atahan Yaya
• VAR: Ismir Pekmic
• AVAR: Craig Lowry

Form Guide, All Comps (Oldest to Newest)

Columbus : W L W W W L | Away Form: L D L W W L

NYCFC : W L D L W L | Home Form: W L D L D L

Last 3 Meetings

Comp	Result	Date
MLS Regular Season	3-2 L	9/17/2025
MLS Regular Season	0-0 D	3/22/2025
MLS Regular Season	4-2 W	8/31/2024

Head Coach Henrik Rydström

On the second half of tonight’s match

“If we talk about the whole game, you could say that I think we showed that we are a very good team. We take steps, but you could also see – that leads me into the second half – that we are not by far done. We have a lot of things we need to improve. If you look at the first half, we control it and we play good, but then at the end of the first half because they started to just go more man-man in the press, I think we punished them a couple of times in the first half with balls in behind and small margins to have big chances. The plan in the second half was to take advantage of their pressing. Did we do it? No. Did we concede anything from their press? No. It became a game in the second half that was just… I [can’t] find a word, like chunky. It was free kicks, throw-ins, corners, and that's a game picture that suits them more than us. I think we lacked some alternative to change the game picture in the second half. We know with (Crew Forward) Wess (Abou Ali) and we know with (Crew Forward) Jamal (Thiaré) that we can be more direct when teams just go high on us, but we got stuck in that. Still, I don't think they created anything in the open play. It was three set pieces, three goals, and that's what we need to improve.”

On how to improve set piece defending

“I think we talked about it the day before in the press conference at the facilities. We know maybe we don't have like the tallest guys, but when we talked about set pieces – more the offensive set pieces – we know we are not at all on that level. If you're going to challenge for titles, you need to be at least among the top teams when it comes to set pieces. We have been quite good on the defensive set pieces, [not] this game or if you just put it that Minnesota is very good on their offensive set pieces. To answer your question, it's a lot about mentality. I think they created most of their xG on the set pieces. It’s two things: how you give away set pieces – I think there were miscommunications sometimes in our team where we had to just kick it out to corner or kick it out to a long throw; and then it's the desire to at least not get beaten. The players are professional football players so you know how you make sure your opponent at least doesn't win the duel, but we lost too many of those situations in the air.”

On if the Crew potentially were too complacent with the 2-0 lead as Minnesota pressed more in the second half

“If we talk about the press, they exposed a lot of space behind. As I said, in the first half, we exposed it, but we also closed a couple of times. We have one quite early in the second half where we play out on (Midfielder) Hugo (Picard, and Hugo, we just run past them and small margins to create a big chance and when we scored also the second goal. We didn't take advantage of it enough. You could say that they got quite a good hit on the way they pressed. Again, they didn't create chances from it, but maybe they created [set pieces]. I don't have fully in my head now what the set pieces came from that they scored. Of course, we didn't get the rhythm in the game. For sure, more teams will play like that. We see it in Europe. We see it among good teams. There are ways of exposing that. I said to the players, that's actually one area we haven't really… Always, you want to work on everything all the time, but so far not so many teams have played man-man here in MLS where they really just go. They do it in some phases, but here it was like they didn't have anything to lose so they just did it. We have to work on solutions against it. I think we could have won the game even with how we played with the ball in the second half. It was more how we defended in those situations on set pieces.”

On the Crew switching from a back four to a back three late in the second half

“It was actually after 2-2 we changed to more wing backs. (Defender) Malte (Amundsen) felt [tightness] in his hamstring. We were talking about should we move (Defender) Steven (Moreira) to the left full back or should we put (Defender Andrés) Herrera to right. I haven't seen either Steven or Herrera play to the left in the back line. Cheba (Defender Yevhen Cheberko) was the natural choice if we look to that. He hasn't played as a full back for a long time. I felt maybe after 10 minutes in the second half – actually, before we scored 2-0 – that now it's a good moment to maybe actually be a little bit more stable because they played with wing backs and then we could more mirror them and get the width in the back line with wing backs because there was some diagonal balls. I know for Cheba if he's not used to play fullback he was a little bit too much inside. I didn't want to give up the sides really. That's why we changed. During that time, they scored two goals. You take a decision, but it takes a little bit time before you can execute the decision. Then things changed. We still went for that because my feeling was that we didn't have that ability in the second half to change so much with the ball. We more wanted (Midfielder) Max (Arfsten) as a wing back running in behind and still have Hugo so he could be also high and wide to make it difficult for him to jump. There were a couple of situations where we did it quite well. You always try to say, ‘OK, was it that change or was it that led to this?’ For me it was more our ability or non-ability to win some crucial duels. Instead of us winning the duel, we gave away free kick, they could lift the ball and we lost that situation, a corner and we lost that situation and then we have lost the game. I was happy for the (Lamar Hunt U.S. Open) Cup game Wednesday, but right now we struggle a little bit with alternatives when crucial players need to go off the pitch.”

On the impact of tonight’s loss and having a week off until the next match

“We have two days off. Again, I see how good of a team we are. We can play some really good football. I think this game showed it, also. For sure, we need to improve some other things. The nice part is that it's in our own hands, feet and heads. It may be difficult to grow taller during a week (joking). Again, like I said, it's mentality. This will just create the fire for sure. I think we have four more games and the quarterfinals before [the World Cup break]. I've said before against Philadelphia, the game forced us to do some things, and this game the physicality from the opponent, in those moments we were not good enough. Like I've said to you before, you get some answers, not the answers you wanted. I've said to you also, we need for example to have defenders that can handle that kind of game picture. It's in one way when the opponent lifts a ball towards our back line, as a defender it's much easier to win it than for attacking players so we shouldn't see it as a negative thing that opponents start to go longer and it's duels because it's here, we can handle that, also. We didn't do it today, and we will be really hungry for the last four games.”

Defender Steven Moreira

On how difficult this loss was for the team

“Yeah, it's very difficult, 2-0 and we lost. Especially for me, we did a good game, I would say they went maybe three times and scored three goals. So, at this point we just have to keep going. At home, we played well, but we lost the game.”

On the outcome being in the players hands

“Yeah, I agree totally. I feel like we lost the game. It's on us, not on them. Yeah, exactly on us honestly.”

On what can be taken away from holding a lead for 55 minutes against Minnesota United FC

“Yeah, good team, honestly, a very good team, but I think we show our skills today with the ball. It was a good first half. We scored the second one very early. You know, maybe we just be a little bit lazy and they scored at 2-1 and after, it's a different game.”

On the team becoming complacent after taking the lead early

“I think, when we scored the first goal, after they started push it on a bit so they have a little bit of momentum at the end of the first half and after, we scored very early the second goal and, and maybe we start to be a little bit lazy, I would say. In football, when you start to be lazy, you concede three.”

On what he means by the team being lazy

“Maybe about the language, maybe less communication. Especially we knew it, about the throw ins and set pieces. Like I said, of course we’re not a big team physically, but maybe with a lot of communication and everything, we can figure it out.”

On if it was hard to get the team to rebound after conceding

“Yeah, but it’s everyone, me too. The third goal, I lost my player too. So, that's everyone and me first. Like we said, we have to communicate more, especially at home, 2-0, like we sat back a little bit. At home, 2-0, we can’t go with zero points.”

On if it is a good thing that there is a week off before the next game

“Sometimes it's good to play sooner so you don't think too much about the last game, where you have one long week to prepare and after we will go again. It’s three game in a week, so we'll just be focused on the next game because like I said, we lost but a lot of good things today.”

Midfielder Taha Habroune

On the level of disappointment within the team after a tough result

“It’s a huge disappointment, especially at home, in front of our supporters. To be up 2-0 and controlling the game like that and the game changes that quick, it's obviously disappointing. It's on us, the players. I feel like we turned off on those set pieces and it cost us the game. So, it’s super disappointing to lose like that, especially at home.”

On where he can contribute on the field when it comes to communication and action when down 3-2

“For sure. But I mean, you're not expected to give up three set piece goals. I feel like that's all they (Minnesota United FC) had in the game. They took that opportunity and they beat us with it.”

On moving forward and being able to finish the month of May similar to how the team ended April

“We’re disappointed for tonight but there's nothing we can do about it. We move on. We have a three- game stretch in New York and Philly next week, and we're going to win all three games for sure.”

On how the team can get better at defending set pieces

“We just have to be dogs. I feel like we were just soft going into all those set pieces. They just wanted it more than us, and they got three goals from it.”

On what the team needs to do to turn around results

“It’s just the small moments in the game that cost us the game. Like, I feel like we had the two goals, and we were creating opportunities and controlling the game but when you turn off for a second, that's what can happen. So, I would just say, stay focused for 90 minutes of the game and not just 87. In those three minutes, you could concede three goals. So, I'd say that for sure.”

On if Minnesota’s two goals to tie the game threw the team off their game and if they started scrambling

“I wouldn't say scrambling, but I feel like we were already disappointed because we're up 2-0 and I would say we still turned off a little bit. If we stayed playing how we were playing before, I think we could have won the game. For us, it’s always disappointing when you're up 2-0, control in the game, and then in five minutes, it’s 2-2.”

On Diego Rossi’s shot that came off the post and how the game is a matter of inches

“Inches, small moments of the game. It's just margins that can win you a game. That's what happened to us today. We weren't focused throughout the game, and we didn't get the result we wanted.”

Midfielder Sean Zawadzki

On how frustrating tonight’s loss was compared to other results earlier in the season

“I think in the first half, you saw how free flowing and how good we can be. The first goal is the quality of individual players that we have, and I think defensively, we did well, again to not give up much in the run of play, albeit they scored three goals, but in the run of play, they don't have much. I think there's some positives you can still take away from the game, but there's also some things you can look back and see that, look at the adjustments they made in second half, and we kind of played into their hands a little bit in the way they want it. They start to press man for man high up the field and make it difficult for us and we try and play out. Just the nature of who we are, but I think there's also moments to just read the game and to put it in behind them and make them run back and try and build out and play themselves.”

On Minnesota United FC’s set pieces in tonight’s match

“It’s always hard. You're up 2-0 at home, and you somehow find a way to lose 3-2, so it's hard. It's hard taking that and knowing that you play well defensively, but you look back and it's three goals in the back of the net all from dead balls and set pieces. And, like you said, you can have the biggest team in the world, but it doesn't matter. It's sometimes, it's the amount of effort, the amount of just putting your head through anything, you know, it's putting your body on the line in some instances. And I think that's the biggest thing for us. We're not the biggest team, everyone knows that. That doesn't change who we are. We know what the ball we want to play and having those players, it doesn't matter how big you are. And then you get to set pieces, it’s stepping up and realizing that we’re not the biggest team, but I'm going to put my body on the line for anything, for any ball, no matter what it is, to prevent them from having any chance.”

On if the Crew dealt with complacency after going up 2-0

“I wouldn't say there's complacency. I just think that the way they kind of flipped the script on us a little bit. They started to press really high, man for man, and it made it really difficult for us. We're trying to play out, and you give the ball to someone and hope that they kind of create something. I think the movement from all of us kind of lacked a little bit more, but at the same time, you can't fault the effort that everyone gave. Defensively, we're working our butts off. Offensively, we're trying to create chances. It’s those little moments of set pieces, those dead balls. How can we continue to say switch on and be ready for whatever is going to happen? I think kind of had some mental lapses, and I'll be the first person to raise my hand. It comes from me and how can I continue to push myself and the rest of the guys to always be ready for anything? Bounce on your toes, being ready to adjust and put your head through the ball.”

On if Minnesota United FC’s second half press threw the Crew off their game

“A little. I wouldn't say, really. I just think we maybe have to recognize a little bit sooner and know what the game needs in that moment, and know that if we're going to continue to try and play out, that's what they want us to do, and then they're going to win the ball and try and go create some chaos, win a free kick, win a long throw, a corner, whatever it may be. So like I said, it's recognizing that and making them turn around and start from scratch from themselves. What are they going to do when they have the ball? Are they going to try and play? Are they going to put the ball long? It's just being able to read the game in those moments.”

On if it is a difficult decision to make in the moment defensively when you end up giving the ball right back to your opponent

“Yeah, it is. I think it's hard because, you know, we're a team that wants to have the ball. We have players that want to express themselves with the ball, create and have fun, and that's how we find our joy. But also, it's reading the game in moments. Sometimes joy is no matter what, you win the game. And I think it's not going to be pretty sometimes, and putting the ball in behind and letting them do what they want to do, it's all right, we're going to put our defensive line here, and we're going to compete this way. And then when we’re able to get the ball down and play, get in their half, okay, now we can have our joy there. So it's just kind of recognizing what the game needs.”

On if the team can take a learning experience on adjusting to man-to-man defense after they had to do it last season after a match against New England Revolution

“I think it's something that we'll continue to look at put on the training field. And how can we use that man for man defensive way that they want to defend to our advantage? You know, pull guys out of spaces and let guys run in behind. You know, I think in the first half, when they did a little bit, not as much, you see Max (Arfsten) running behind, you see Daniel Gazdag running behind, and we create some good chances. Patrick (Schulte) played some good passes in behind and all right, you turn them around, now we can get their half and play, you know. So it's being able to have those moments, and like I said, that's kind of where our joy comes from, but also realizing that, if that's not on, all right, let them try and have their opportunities too.”

Game Info

Date: May 2, 2026 | Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field

Coverage Starts: 7:30 PM ET | Estimated Kickoff: 7:39 PM ET

Kickoff Forecast: 50° F, 6 mph winds N

Broadcast Info

TV: Apple TV (English and Spanish)

Radio: 105.7 FM WXZX (English), 103.1 FM WWLA & 107.1 FM WWLG (Spanish)

Broadcast	PxP	Analyst
Apple TV English	Neil Sika	Kyndra de St. Aubin
Apple TV Spanish	Ramses Sandoval	Daniel Chapela
Radio English	Chris Doran	N/A
Radio Spanish	Juan Valladares	N/A

Kit Info

Team	Shirt	Shorts	Socks	Keeper Color
Columbus	Yellow	Black	Yellow	Purple
Minnesota	Black	Black	Black	Green

Availability Report

Columbus Crew

• Wessam Abou Ali - Knee (Out)
• Jamal Thiaré - Lower Leg (Out)
• André Gomes - Lower Leg (Questionable)

Minnesota United FC

• Julian Gressel – Lower Body (Out)
• Carlos Harvey – Lower Body (Out)
• Bongokuhle Hlongwane – Family Emergency (Out)
• Peter Stroud – Lower Body (Out)
• James Rodríguez - Medical Procedure (Out)

Match Officials

• REF: Sergii Boiko
• AR1: Kyle Atkins
• AR2: Rhett Hammil
• 4TH: Rodrigo Albuquerque
• VAR: Edvin Jurisevic
• AVAR: Joshua Patlak

Form Guide, All Comps (Oldest to Newest)

Columbus : D W L W W W | Home Form: D L D W W W

Minnesota : W D W W L L | Away Form: L W W D W L

Last 3 Meetings

Comp	Result	Date
MLS Regular Season	1-1 D	3/2/2024
Leagues Cup	3-3 D (eliminated on PKs)	8/4/2023
MLS Regular Season	2-1 W	9/23/2020

Game Info

Date: April 29, 2026 | Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field

Kickoff Forecast: 58° F, 10 mph winds N

Broadcast Info

TV: Paramount+ (English)

Radio: 105.7 FM WXZX (English), 103.1 FM WWLA & 107.1 FM WWLG (Spanish)

Broadcast	PxP	Analyst
Paramount+ English	TBC	TBC
Radio English	Chris Doran	N/A
Radio Spanish	Juan Valladares	N/A

Availability Report

Columbus Crew

• Wessam Abou Ali - Knee (Out)
• Andre Gomes - Lower Leg (Questionable)

One Knoxville SC

• No injury report available

Match Officials

• REF: TBC
• AR1: TBC
• AR2: TBC
• 4TH: TBC

Form Guide, All Comps (Oldest to Newest)

Columbus : W D W L W W | Home Form: D L D W W

Knoxville : D W D D W D | Away Form: W D W D D D

Last 3 Meetings

Comp	Result	Date
N/A	First competitive meeting	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A

Head Coach Henrik Rydström

On the Crew’s performance tonight, including against a strong pressing team in the Philadelphia Union

“Yeah, I think we handled it really, really well. First of all, I think I should also praise the opponent because I really like the grit. They are working hard, they never give up and they keep on pressing. I can admire that. On the other hand, I think we handled that very well. First 15- 20 minutes was really, really good. If you ask them, they feel probably that they were not really awake, but that's the way it is. I think we also played with confidence. We were brave, and we threatened in behind in a way that this timing that the balance between short passes and runs in behind. I think we maybe also cooled them off a little bit. There were moments in the game where they could press, and we didn't maybe create anything, but I think we overall were quite good on not conceding any big chances from that. A good team we played against, hard working, but I was happy to see that we could also match them in that part of the game also you alluded to.”

On the Crew’s lower number of shots, particularly after 22’

“They created on set pieces the things and the moments. If I put it like that, every game is different. When you play the Galaxy, they are a little bit more build up, a little bit slower. When you play a team that press basically all the time, then there will be more verticality in the game, and we will play more forward. If we look at the stats, we were behind their backline more than we usually are behind an opponent's backline because there was space behind the backline. It's also small margins from us creating big, big chances. Now, it didn't end up in a shot, but it's like a bigger situation, a more dangerous situation than maybe 10 of the shots we had against the Galaxy. It's two different kind of opponents, two different kind of game pictures. Of course, when you are 2-0 up also in the second half and third game this week, it affects it. They just need to go, and we control it a little bit. We didn't really push for it. Now, they had a red card in the end, and it could or should have been a shot on goal at least.”

On Midfielder Max Arfsten’s performance in recent weeks and contributing more in the attack, particularly after Forward Wessam Abou Ali’s season-ending injury

“We also talked about it when Wess got injured that more players need to contribute because nobody can fill his shoes. We have seen (Midfielder Daniel) Gazdag, we have seen (Forward) Diego (Rossi), (Midfielder) Hugo (Picard) and also Max, of course, but I also want to mention (Midfielder) Dylan (Chambost) that I think also with the absence of (Midfielder André) Gomes – Dylan is dictating the game when we talk about the offensive part. Yeah, we have so far been able to… We will always miss Wess, and I think also the players in one way also play for Wess because he is so important for us. I think (Midfielder) Mo (Farsi) had a good little speech in the locker room where he reminded the players about appreciate the possibility to just train and play football because he has been out, (Defender) Rudy (Camacho) was out and now Wes is out. I think that they play for each other and remind themselves about the opportunity we have. To answer your question there, yeah, Max is one of those players that has been taking steps and creating more. He probably would have done that even with Wes, of course, because we are getting better and better as a team. After the Toronto game away, we had two days off after that game, then we trained a couple of days and then we had three days off. I was in an Airbnb and didn't leave Columbus, and I was, ‘How do we solve this now?’ After that, I think we have found a way where we can handle different game types and we have three victories, one draw, one loss and then an Open Cup victory. We are getting better as team, and that helps the individual players, also.”

On if the decision to play Farsi was planned or a game-time decision

“Max did so many runs so he probably couldn't run more. We wanted to change him, and it was perfect to give Mo the opportunity. Then of course, he's been out from playing competitive games for a long time and no friendly games or anything. It's not easy to find the rhythm. He gave us the fighting spirit so that was good to see.”

On recording a clean sheet after surrendering a late goal against the LA Galaxy in a 2-1 win on Wednesday

“I've said to some of you that are in the press conferences at the facility that I see that we are better and better, but you want to show it in the games, also. It's also the game demands different things from you, but we are good in we find ways of answering the game. The Galaxy game, we got a little bit stiff, started to drop back and then we conceded. Now, I think we controlled the last 10 minutes of the game much better. What do they say? I have talked about ‘awareness’ because I can preach it, but the moment the players feel it, that's when the real awareness happens and then you get the possibility to also change behaviors or act in a different way. I think we have done that in a good way the last four or five games."

On if it’s fair to say the Crew went for the third goal late in the match and it’s a departure from the way the Club approached things in the past

“Yeah, and when they press that much forward, like I said, then spaces will be behind them. It was almost like every time we break through, we felt like we can go for the third one. I’d rather have it like that. Then it's maybe too quick of an attack sometimes instead of us not going for it. That was the message in second half, also – we want to score the third goal. With that said, of course, you try to control a little bit more and have more plays behind the ball, but I think the mentality was there to score more goals.”

On building momentum and the benefits of playing four home games in 11 days and being able to set a routine

“First of all, we were so disappointed in ourselves in the first home games that we couldn't live up to the atmosphere here and what the supporters deserve. Me as a coach and the players felt like so,‘Ugh [sighs].’ To give them victories [is good]… I also don't say that we are perfect and that everything is amazingly good, but you see more and more a team that fights for each other and plays with passion and in one way plays together with the atmosphere and the supporters. Then it's nice to have more opportunities to do it. Today, we had also (Haslam Sports Group CEO and Chairman Dee and) Jimmy Haslam here so it was nice to win when [they are] here, it's always important. We appreciate that.”

Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte

On earning the clean sheet and how the backline’s chemistry has improved

“Yeah, I think it's been really good. They've done an incredible job, like you said. But it's not just the back four, it’s everybody from the attackers, the nine, to the wingers. The center mids have done an amazing job just cutting passes and box defending and allowing only one or two chances a game.”

On the difference of the mentality after halftime after being able to hold off opposition in the last two matches in the second halves

“Yeah, I think just sticking to the game plan and playing our game. That's been the focus and just trying to grow and build off that. And I think in these last two games, we've done that well.”

On what he is trying to do when not facing shots from the opposition

“Just trying to communicate, talk to the defenders, the back line, see where threats are. Just trying to stay as mentally locked in as you can and just be there, be present in every minute.”

On the Philadelphia Union’s play and if he is watching any sort of build up

“No, but that's how they play, and they're very good at that, and they need one, two chances to make it crazy, make it chaotic, and they capitalize off that. And that's how they thrive, and that's how they get going.”

On his second half save and what was going through his mind

“Yeah, just trying to be ready. A team like that, they hit a shot. One, two touch so they could try and get quick releases, shoot from distance and cause rebounds. It was a focus of ours going into the game, and so for me, it was just, anytime they got in and around 20-25 yards away, it was okay, ‘be ready to expect unexpected.’ It was a comfortable save. Rudy (Camacho) did well to get in front of him (Milan Iloski) and only allow one option.”

On proving himself to the U.S. Men’s National Team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

“Yeah, I think every game's an opportunity to prove myself and that's been my goal. My focus is just focus on each and every game because it's an opportunity to prove yourself. But for me, it's not really focused on that as much as it is just trying to climb the table and get this team and organization in the direction that we belong in.”

On how it feels to earn victories after a tough start to the season

“Yeah, that's a whole thing, stacking wins, stacking days. You get the boat going in the right direction, it's going to be hard to stop and that's our goal, is get it going and kind of just try and stack wins. It's nice that we can kind of play every two or three days, and build off that and not have to wait a week.”

On if there is pressure on the team to secure a good record ahead of the World Cup break

“There's no pressure. It's a long season. Just gotta stay focused game by game. You can start hot and end the season bad, or you can start the season bad and end the season good. So it’s just focus one game at a time.”

Defender Malte Amundsen

On the difference in the team’s mentality in the second half the last two matches

“We've talked about coming out and not switching off. It sounds pretty easy, but it isn't always when you're going into halftime with the lead, so I think we're trying to come out and attack the game in the same way, respecting the result, but also respecting the second half and the opponent's changes, and then, as you've seen, the last 10, 15 minutes gets a little bit, and that's natural, I think.”

On if there is fatigue late in the game when there haven’t been many substitutions

“No, it has nothing to do with that. I think a clean sheet today is credit to all guys. I was gonna say 15, but I think 18, because it starts from training all the roster. Almost a clean sheet last game. We want that, and we're gonna keep building towards that. Yeah it feels pretty good when you have a clean sheet”

On if a lack of defensive substitutions helps the backline communicate well throughout the match

“You can say yes, but we have a big roster, and we have good players that are also not playing. So even if they were playing, I would be comfortable, and we've seen a lot of rotation before, and if we're going to do that, then I know everyone's ready.”

On Mohamed Farsi returning from an injury and how he fits into the system

“So nice. Mo (Farsi) is a great player. He's an even better human being. He's had a hard 10, 12 months, I don't know how long. So it's incredible to see him back. I'm very happy for him. He's worked his ass off. He's worked very hard, excuse me, but it's very good to have him back.”

On the difficulty of playing a team that is consistently pressing offensively

“It can be tricky. I think we solved it very well today, but it's not as easy to build out always. But credit to the way we worked and the intensity we put today. I think we solved it.”

On his dad attending a home match this season

“Yeah, my dad and even my aunt is here. My dad hasn't lost a game while he's been here for three years visiting me. So he says after last game, ‘yeah, I'm sorry, but I can't take off all year because it will be pretty nice if we can.’ He thought that was a good dad joke. I mean, I'm so happy when he's here, and I'm happy we win, and hopefully we continue that.”

Midfielder Max Arfsten

On if the team has been consciously more aggressive the past three games without Wessam Abou Ali or if is just how the games have gone

“I say a little bit of both. I feel like, especially when I play on the right, like cutting in on my left foot, like I feel more inclined to shoot and stuff like that. And I feel like I'm a bit more narrow. It was closer to the goal. Whereas when I'm on the left, I'm kind of just looking to cross more. But I think it's a bit of both. I mean, obviously with Wes, I looked to cross more because it's like an aerial threat in the box, and now we have guys who make good runs, but it's not so much like crosses in the air. It's like we need other ways to try and create chances. So, I definitely think all of us in the attack have kind of kept that in our minds.”

On improved communication over the past two games

“Yeah, definitely. I think we just have a clear idea of how we want to press, what situations to kind of take a risk, or what not to and obviously, it's still a work in progress, but I think the last two games have been good.”

On the game plan to face the Union’s press

“Yeah, we kind of knew that they were gonna. I mean, the way Philly usually plays, they're aggressive, they press high, they kind of try to kill the flow and rhythm of the game. And that's what you saw tonight, but I think we did a good job of slowing it down when we needed to and capitalizing on sometimes their mistakes in the back. So, I think the game plan was just kind of be aware of what they're trying to do, and we kind of adjust off that.”

On if the players have found confidence and trust in themselves the last couple of games

“Yeah, definitely. I think one good thing about this system is I feel like the players have a lot of freedom, and it's kind of just like, put yourself in the position defensively, but on offense, like freedom to express your qualities. And I think you've seen that a lot with different guys. I think, like you said, it's very important to believe in ourselves, and I think everyone knows you play your best when you believe in yourself a lot. So just keep trying to keep that energy going.”

On if all Crew players touched the ball on the own goal possession

“I'm not sure I have to re-watch it, but obviously a little bit of good luck on that own goal. But you create your own luck sometimes. And yeah, we'll take it.”

On if the team is feeling like itself again

“It feels really good, obviously, especially at home. It feels like these old feelings that we used to all the time, but, I mean, it's still a work in progress. Like I said. I feel like this club is used to being towards the top of the table, and it's something we still got to kind of strive for. It's a good feeling. We're going to embrace the good vibes and good energy and these good feelings, but we know we still got work to do.”

On getting back Mohamed Farsi back from injury

“Yeah, it's really nice having him back. Obviously, he's worked very hard to get back and play, and I'm super happy for him. I mean you guys know he has an engine. He can run up and down, and it's gonna be awesome to have him back, and I'm excited for it.”

On how his role with the team has grown over the last year

“It's a good feeling. I embrace it for sure, and I definitely feel the responsibility every single game. I feel like I really want to contribute to our goals and assists, because I feel that responsibility, like you said, and I'm thankful for it as well. I love playing in front of our fans, I feel like playing at home. I always have a different energy and kind of motivation to make the fans happy, for sure.”