Massive Scouting: Sporting Kansas City
You’ve heard of Sleepless in Seattle, but have you ever heard of Defenseless in Portland? If you watched the Black & Gold’s first match of 2026, you know exactly what I am talking about. The Crew jumped out to a hot start thanks to a Wessam Abou-Ali goal in the 6th minute. Portland then scored twice to take the lead before Diego Rossi equalized right … Continue reading Massive Scouting: Sporting Kansas City
Black & Gold look to bounce back from opening day loss
Head Coach Henrik Rydström’s honeymoon period since arriving to Columbus came to an abrupt end following the Black & Gold’s 3-2 opening day loss on the road to the Portland Timbers. Despite a strong return from injury from forward Wessam Abou Ali who notched a goal and an assist, and an “MLS Goal of the Matchday” worthy strike from Diego Rossi, the Black & Gold … Continue reading Black & Gold look to bounce back from opening day loss
Crew tactical review: Portland chops down the Black & Gold
MLS action returned this weekend, kicking off the 2026 season as the Columbus Crew travelled west to face the Portland Timbers. After losing former head coach Wilfried Nancy in the offseason to a brief spell at Celtic, the Black & Gold hired Henrik Rydström to lead Columbus into the 2026 season. Rydström’s first few minutes at the helm of the Crew looked promising, when Wessam … Continue reading Crew tactical review: Portland chops down the Black & Gold
GALLERY: Columbus Eagles vs. Youngstown Nighthawks
Columbus Crew Falter, Lose 3-2 in Rydström Debut Match
PORTLAND, OR – Under new management, the Columbus Crew faced off against the Portland Timbers to kick off their 2026 MLS campaign. Henrik Rydström and his staff led the Black & Gold to hopefully gain their first win at Providence Park in Club history. Phil Neville and the Green & Gold had other plans, shutting down the Crew by a 3-2 scoreline. The Crew got things … Continue reading Columbus Crew Falter, Lose 3-2 in Rydström Debut Match
Wessam Abou Ali Ready to Shine: Poised to Break Out in the 2026 MLS season
There is a different tone in Wessam Abou Ali’s voice this preseason — one rooted in belief rather than introduction. The striker enters 2026 refreshed, after suffering an ankle injury in the latter stages of the 2025 campaign keeping him out for the remainder of the season. In just six games last year, Abou Ali offered flashes: intelligent near-post movement, a willingness to press from … Continue reading Wessam Abou Ali Ready to Shine: Poised to Break Out in the 2026 MLS season
Massive Scouting Report: Portland Timbers
We are BACK baby! The Columbus Crew kick off their 2026 campaign Saturday in the Pacific Northwest against the Portland Timbers. The winds of change have blown through Central Ohio this offseason as the Crew have watched Wilfried Nancy depart for Celtic FC in Scotland and club legend Darlington Nagbe retire. In addition, the Crew sold Jacen Russel-Rowe to French club Toulouse for a reported … Continue reading Massive Scouting Report: Portland Timbers
2026 Massive Report Staff Predictions
The Columbus Crew are back in action this weekend as the Club travels to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Portland Timbers to open up the 2026 MLS season. As matchweek one approaches, we asked the staff to share their season predictions for who they think will win the Club’s Golden Boot, Defensive Player of the Year, MVP and where the team will finish … Continue reading 2026 Massive Report Staff Predictions
New spin, same DNA: Henrick Rydström prepares to lead the Crew in newest evolution
Issa Tall likes to speak about his vision for the Columbus Crew and how he sees the Club (big C). He talks about the DNA forged in recent seasons, which influences every decision he and his staff make. What is that DNA? For Tall, it goes back to well before he was involved with the Crew. Tall came to Major League Soccer in 2013, working … Continue reading New spin, same DNA: Henrick Rydström prepares to lead the Crew in newest evolution
Columbus Crew announce the signing of Andre Gomes
COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew announced late Thursday night that the Club has signed midfielder Andre Gomes from Lille OSC. Gomes, 32, joined Lille in September 2024 after his loan at Everton expired. The Portuguese midfielder is set to sign for until June of 2027, with a Club option for the 2027-2028 season. Gomes will occupy an international roster spot. From Grijó, Portugal, Gomes joined … Continue reading Columbus Crew announce the signing of Andre Gomes
The Crew attack targets return to elite MLS status after positive preseason, health, new approach
There are plenty of questions about the Columbus Crew heading into the 2026 season: How will the team adjust to new head coach Henrick Rydström? How will Rydström adjust to MLS? What tactical carryover will there be from Wilfried Nancy? One major question that lingers from last season concerns the attack. After leading MLS with 67 goals in 2023 – the year the Crew won … Continue reading The Crew attack targets return to elite MLS status after positive preseason, health, new approach
Columbus Crew sign forward Nariman Akhundzada from Qarabağ FK
The Columbus Crew announced Tuesday afternoon that the Club have signed Nariman Akhundzada from Qarabağ FK of the Azerbaijan Premier League. Akhundzada joins the Black & Gold as part of the U22 initiative and will occupy an international roster spot, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa. He is under contract until June 2029. Akhundzada featured in 13 Azerbaijan Premiere League matches … Continue reading Columbus Crew sign forward Nariman Akhundzada from Qarabağ FK
Columbus Crew release ‘Crafted for Excellence Kit’ for 2026 MLS season
The Columbus Crew announced their new primary kit for the 2026 MLS season Tuesday morning, naming it the “Crafted for Excellence Kit” which was designed by Adidas. The kit features a black collar with yellow trim — the first collared shirt since 2018. On the lower front left side is a jock tag, inspired by the City of Columbus flag with a bespoke design pulling … Continue reading Columbus Crew release ‘Crafted for Excellence Kit’ for 2026 MLS season
OFFICIAL: Jacen Russell-Rowe completes Ligue 1 move to FC Toulouse; Crew sign Jamal Thiare from Atlanta United
COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew announced today that forward Jacen Russell-Rowe has completed his move to Ligue 1 side FC Toulouse for $2.5m + add ons + sell-on clause. The move comes before the Columbus Crew are set to be back in Florida for the last leg of their preseason camp before starting the 2026 MLS campaign against the Portland Timbers. Russell-Rowe, 23, tallied 7G, … Continue reading OFFICIAL: Jacen Russell-Rowe completes Ligue 1 move to FC Toulouse; Crew sign Jamal Thiare from Atlanta United
Evolution, not revolution: New Crew head coach Henrick Rydström plans to build on Wilfried Nancy’s foundation
Wilfried Nancy has been gone from the Columbus Crew for nearly two months, yet his presence is still felt as the club prepares for its 2026 season. Henrick Rydström, Nancy’s replacement, finally arrived on Jan. 20, joining his new team in Florida several days into preseason. This came 20 days after Rydström was announced as the Black & Gold’s new head coach, but the Swede … Continue reading Evolution, not revolution: New Crew head coach Henrick Rydström plans to build on Wilfried Nancy’s foundation
