Wilfried Nancy: The Man Who Made Columbus Believe Again

There will never be another manager like Wilfried Nancy. Throughout the history of MLS and the Columbus Crew, it is hard to argue that one man has had as much of an impact on a team as Nancy has on the Black & Gold. The numbers speak for itself – 71 wins, 32 draws, just 31 losses and 282 goals – but the Frenchman’s impact … Continue reading Wilfried Nancy: The Man Who Made Columbus Believe Again

Crew tactical review: Uninspired Columbus grabs a draw in New Jersey

The Columbus Crew got back to action on Saturday, traveling to New Jersey to take on the New York Red Bulls in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. With only a few games remaining, both sides were looking to climb the table to make or sweeten their position within the playoff picture. It was a back-and-forth game, with both teams having chances to open the scoring, … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Uninspired Columbus grabs a draw in New Jersey

Crew tactical review: Columbus’ woes continue at home against New England

The Columbus Crew returned to Lower.com Field on Saturday, this time facing off against former Black & Gold coach Caleb Porter and the New England Revolution. The Crew got off to a good start in the match, generating three goalscoring looks in the opening 15 minutes. The only downside for Columbus was the fact that none of the Black & Gold attackers finished off those … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus’ woes continue at home against New England

Crew tactical review: Columbus draws round one of the Trillium Cup

The Columbus Crew returned to MLS action on Saturday, travelling north of the border for a Trillium Cup match against Toronto FC. Early on, it looked like the Black & Gold would end up having their way after Diego Rossi opened the scoring inside of ten minutes. The Crew held onto control throughout the lion share of the rest of the game but were unable … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus draws round one of the Trillium Cup

Crew tactical review: Columbus folds again to give Toluca a win from the penalty spot

The Columbus Crew kicked off their Leagues Cup title defense on Tuesday night, taking on Mexican side Toluca at Lower.com Field. The contest got off to a dream start for the hosts, with Diego Rossi converting a penalty to put Columbus up 1-0. In the second half, Max Arfsten doubled the lead merely five minutes after halftime. The Black & Gold looked in control from … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus folds again to give Toluca a win from the penalty spot

Crew tactical review: Final half-hour collapse dooms Columbus against Orlando

The Columbus Crew were back in action on Friday night, but it was a match to forget for the Black & Gold faithful. Columbus welcomed Orlando City SC to a rain-delayed match inside of Lower.com Field in typical Crew fashion, dominating possession and generating decent attacking chances. At the end of the first 45 minutes though, it was still deadlocked at 0-0. Jacen Russell-Rowe and … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Final half-hour collapse dooms Columbus against Orlando

Crew tactical review: Nashville breaks Columbus’ dreams under a neon moon

The Columbus Crew were back in action for a midweek clash against Nashville SC, but fans will be wishing there was no game at all. The hosts took the lead just over a minute into the match, marking the second straight game where the Black & Gold have conceded within two minutes. Nashville grabbed another goal in the first half, sending the Crew into the … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Nashville breaks Columbus’ dreams under a neon moon

Crew tactical review: Columbus’ comeback sends Cincinnati to burn in hell

The Columbus Crew enjoyed a typical trip to Cincinnati on Saturday evening, coming from behind a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2 in Ohio’s southern city. After two goals in the opening five minutes by Pavel Bucha and Evander gave Cincinnati a lead, the Black & Gold responded by rattling off four unanswered goals to seal all three points and claim the state. Diego Rossi, Max … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus’ comeback sends Cincinnati to burn in hell

Crew tactical review: Columbus topples conference-leaders Philadelphia at home

The Columbus Crew grabbed another three points on Sunday, this time against Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union. It was a tale of two halves for the Black & Gold, spending much of the first half in Philadelphia’s territory but absorbing more pressure in the second half. Mo Farsi found the breakthrough near the end of the first half, when a cross from fellow wingback Lassi … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus topples conference-leaders Philadelphia at home

Crew tactical review: Columbus’ first half landslide washes away Atlanta United

The Columbus Crew grabbed a second consecutive win on Wednesday, downing Atlanta United 3-1. Columbus’ offense exploded in the first half, netting three goals courtesy of Andres Herrera and Jacen Russell-Rowe. Atlanta’s defense was lacking in the first 45, allowing the Black & Gold to run rampant and pepper Brad Guzan’s goalmouth with shots. In the second half though, the Five Stripes fought back. Brooks … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus’ first half landslide washes away Atlanta United

Crew tactical review: Columbus gets back to winning ways against Vancouver

The Columbus Crew returned to its winning ways on Saturday, taking down the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1. After a break, the Black & Gold returned home to face the team at the top of the Western Conference. Although Vancouver was missing a host of typical contributors, they posed a sizable threat. Columbus took the lead moments into the match when Ibrahim Aliyu got on the end … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus gets back to winning ways against Vancouver

Crew tactical review: Miami throttles Columbus to close out a rough May

The Columbus Crew’s winless streak continued as they fell to Inter Miami 5-1 on May 31st. The hosts struck early and often, thanks to defensive mistakes by the Columbus backline and goalkeeper Nico Hagen. Miami netted three goals in the first 25 minutes of the match, heading into the intermission with a 3-0 lead. A header from substitute Cesar Ruvalcaba brought the deficit back to … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Miami throttles Columbus to close out a rough May

Crew tactical review: Columbus only musters one point from two games

The Columbus Crew continued their recent struggles this week, falling to Charlotte FC on the weekend and drawing Nashville SC in a midweek clash. Columbus got an early goal down in Charlotte, but the hosts battled back to eventually win the game 3-2. The Black & Gold never have good luck in Charlotte, but they returned home on Wednesday for a matchup with Nashville – … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus only musters one point from two games

Crew tactical review: Columbus draws up north in Montreal

The Columbus Crew continued their unbeaten streak on the road, salvaging a 1-1 draw with lowly CF Montreal. It was a rough first half lacking scoring chances for Columbus, with Montreal fighting back against the Black & Gold’s possession style with long spells of possession themselves. The home side eventually found the opener courtesy of a dummy and a backheeled assist that found the feet … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Columbus draws up north in Montreal