COLUMBUS – Just days after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, the Columbus Crew were back in action, hosting a heavily rotated New York City FC squad. While Max Arfsten started the match and Steven Moreira — both back with the Club after stints with their respective national teams — started on the bench, the Crew faltered in their return to league play, dropping a 2-1 result to the Pigeons on home soil.

Columbus gathered momentum within the first 10 minutes of the match, dictating play as normal. Though, that didn’t seem to faze the visitors, who were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute.

Arfsten seemingly pulled down an NYCFC attacker off the ball inside the penalty area, generating the chance for the opposition. Nicolás Fernández was able to convert the spot kick from 12-yards to break the 0-0 deadlock.

Columbus created opportunities, but those chances went to waste in the search for an equalizer. Possession numbers favored the median, with NYCFC having the upper hand through the first 45.

To start the second half, Columbus put their best foot forward. The possession-based team looked like a shell of itself in getting numbers forward and connecting passes in the final third.

In the 48th minute, Crew midfielder Taha Habroune had a shot on goal, but the attempt was saved by goalkeeper Matt Freese.

NYCFC were awarded a free kick in the 60th minute after Arfsten was shown a yellow card for stopping a promising attack on Fernández. On the ensuing free kick, Fernández found his attempt ricochet off the crossbar to keep the score at 0-1.

The Pigeons nearly doubled their lead, but Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte stood tall to make three saves in a span of two minutes to thwart the promising attack. Minutes later, NYCFC found their second of the night through Augustín Ojeda, with his left-footed shot from the center of the box finding the back of the net.

“The important player has to make plays in decisive moments, and that’s what they did today. My job is to try to put them in those moments with consistency, and they need to show up and be the best versions of themselves.” – Interim Head Coach Laurent Courtois

With their backs against the wall, Columbus desperately needed to find a breakthrough. That came through late in the second half, when the Crew was awarded a penalty kick in the 90th minute after a handball offense was committed inside the box. Daniel Gazdag converted the spot kick to pull Columbus within one, but it was ultimately not enough to help Columbus gain a positive result.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew are back in action Saturday as they host FC Cincinnati for the first time during the 2026 MLS campaign. Kickoff from Scotts Miracle-Gro Field is set for 7:15 p.m. You can watch the match on Apple TV.