The Columbus Crew made it two wins in a row at Lower.com Field on Saturday night. The 4-0 victory against Real Salt Lake marked the second straight blowout win for the Crew at home, following a 6-1 beatdown of Atlanta United the week prior.

It’s been a record-setting two weeks for the Black & Gold offensively. It was the first time in club history Columbus had scored 10 goals across two games, among several other records. There was another first-time goal scorer for the team in winger Yaw Yeboah. Maybe most importantly, the Crew played once again with a confidence that this team hasn’t had since it won the 2020 MLS Cup.

Let’s take a look back at Saturday’s game against RSL and see what we took away from the match.

Weapons galore

On this week’s Massive Report podcast, we discussed quite a few players who performed well offensively for the Black & Gold. What became clear quickly is it’s not just one or two players that need to be highlighted at the moment, but nearly all of the team’s attack — which is likely the result of 10 goals scored in two games.

Against Salt Lake, Lucas Zelarayan returned to the starting lineup after missing the Atlanta game on international duty and quickly reminded fans of his important role in Columbus’ attack. His backheel flick to set up Aidan Morris’ strike for the opening goal is something few others on this Crew roster recognize and execute so impressively. His quick turn to win the penalty kick which he converted for the second goal is another aspect of his game that makes him special.

Alexandru Matan continues to be key to much of what the Black & Gold do in the attack. When he has space to pick up his head and see what’s around him, and the attacking midfielder is good at finding that space with his movement, Matan is proving quite the nose for picking out a pass in this more central role.

Morris’ numbers in these last two games speak for themselves. He said he wanted to score more goals this year and is doing so by popping up in more advanced positions. Whether this is head coach Wilfried Nancy’s tactical decision or Morris recognizing these chances doesn’t matter all that much, but he’s becoming a big part of Columbus’ attack.

Forward Jacen Russell-Rowe is proving to be a useful player, especially in an off-the-bench role as he continues to develop. Striker Max Arfsten has already exceeded his expectations as an MLS SuperDraft pick. The wing backs continue to be energetic and help create chances.

This Crew side has more options offensively than many expected coming into the year and that is a comfort for Nancy in situations like the team finds itself currently when Cucho Hernandez is out. Others will miss time this season as well, and match congestion will eventually become a thing, so finding that attacking depth early in the season is important.

The third attacker

One player not mentioned in the above group is Christian Ramirez. This is not because the forward had a poor performance but rather because he earned his own section of the discussion.

While Ramirez couldn’t follow up his debut for the Black & Gold with another brace, the veteran remained a thorn in RSL’s side. His positioning in the penalty box means any defense must be aware of where he is when on the field. Ramirez makes this difficult by sometimes dropping deeper but then also starting behind the defensive line in an offside position at other points and waiting for the right moment to return onside.

In this match, Ramirez was a part of the build-up, completing 12 of his 19 passes and firing three shots, one of which was blocked. He can draw fouls in good spots, while also working hard defensively, pressing at the right moments and dropping back when needed.

It’s been some time since Columbus has had a forward such as Ramirez who can provide the depth needed at the position. When everyone is healthy, he is the Crew’s third attacking option, behind both Hernandez and Zelarayan. And having a player who has scored 37 MLS goals and played overseas in that role will be important for the Black & Gold.

Making sense of the performance

More often than not, I’m going to be hesitant to crown a team or player until that team or player proves it/himself over an extended period. There’s a good mood around this Columbus team at the moment, and rightfully so, but there also needs to be some perspective.

It was just a few weeks ago that questions were being asked of Nancy and this Crew team following a hard-to-watch loss at the New York Red Bulls. Two home games against a weakened Atlanta — albeit with a depleted Black & Gold side as well — and against a Real team that has been struggling and started a 17 year old in goal have changed the discussion, at least for now as Columbus has climbed to fourth place in the Eastern Conference on 10 points.

Before I’m willing to start talking about the Crew looking like a legit MLS Cup playoff contender, I need to see the Black & Gold play this way — maybe not score this many goals — against one of the better teams in MLS. I need to see Columbus perform on the road for 90 minutes, as it’s not as if Toronto FC or the Red Bulls were the toughest of away opponents.

There were some very positive signs from this Crew team over the last two matches. The good teams in MLS build on those positives, especially given the team’s schedule for the rest of this month. Whether the Black & Gold are truly one of those good teams will be decided in the coming weeks.

Defensive depth

Last week against United, Columbus played without starting center back Milos Degenek, who was away on international duty. While the Crew did give up one goal, the team played well defensively, limiting the chances of the Five Stripes.

This week, Degenek returned but Philip Quinton, who moved from left center back to the most central of the three, was left out of the starting lineup. This came after Quinton’s best display as an MLS player. The result this week was a shutout.

In addition to the rotation on the backline, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made his second straight start and earned his first MLS clean sheet. He was once again in for Eloy Room who, after being away on international duty last week, dealt with some knee pain before the Salt Lake match.

Being able to have players out defensively and not miss a beat is not something every team can say. Quinton stepped up two weeks ago and Degenek returned and played well this week. Schulte, along with left center back Gustavo Vallecilla, showed they are at the very least capable of filling in when needed.

Playing well defensively regardless of who is on the field is a credit to Nancy, but also to these players who have stayed ready and can fill in when called upon.