Enemy Scouting Report - Columbus Crew
(image via Columbus Crew)
The Houston Dynamo enter the third week of the MLS season reeling from back-to-back losses, including a humbling defeat at the hands of Inter Miami in their last match. In what was arguably their worst performance under head coach Ben Olsen, the Dynamo’s defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed, as costly mistakes in the back line were punished by Luis Suárez and his clinical Miami teammates. Now, with confidence shaken and questions mounting, Houston faces its first road test of the season against a formidable opponent—the reigning Leagues Cup champions, Columbus Crew. A response is needed, but overcoming one of the league’s most dominant teams on their home turf will be no small task.
The Columbus Crew have established themselves as one of the top clubs in MLS in recent years, even lifting the MLS Cup just two seasons ago. However, like the Houston Dynamo, Wilfried Nancy’s squad is undergoing a transition period following the departures of key players such as Aidan Morris and Cucho Hernández, both of whom left for opportunities in Europe. Despite these changes, Columbus has started the MLS season strong, securing victories over Chicago and New England. However, they enter this matchup fresh off a humbling defeat to LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a result that may test their resilience moving forward.
Even with some roster shake-ups, Columbus remains a formidable force, thanks in large part to the brilliance of Diego Rossi, who continues to be one of the team’s most dangerous attacking threats. His ability to find the back of the net and create scoring opportunities will be a constant concern for Houston’s back line. Veteran midfielder Darlington Nagbe remains the engine of the Crew, dictating the tempo with his exceptional ball control and ability to retain possession under pressure.
As Columbus looks to maintain its high standards, homegrown talents like Jacen Russell-Rowe and Sean Zawadski are being called upon to step up and help carry the team through this period of transition. For the Houston Dynamo, containing these rising stars—as well as the Crew’s established playmakers—will be crucial if they hope to secure their first points of the regular season on Saturday.
Columbus Crew Record: 2W-0D-0L
Results in the last 30 days:
February 22 - Columbus Crew 4-2 Chicago Fire (MLS)
March 1 - New England Revolution 0-1 Columbus Crew (MLS)
March 4 - LAFC 3-0 Columbus Crew (Champions Cup
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Nicholas Hagen, Evan Bush, Patrick Schulte, Stanislav Lapkes
Defenders: Andres Herrera, Rudy Camacho, DeJuan Jones, Malte Amundsen, Yevhen Cheberko, Mohamed Farsi, Steven Moreira
Midfielders: Darlington Nagbe, Dylan Chambost, Aziel Jackson, Derrick Jones, Sean Zawadzki, Lassi Lappalainen, Cole Mrowka, Amar Sejdic
Forwards: Diego Rossi, Taha Habroune, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Maximilian Arfsten
Can the Houston Dynamo adjust defensively to contain Columbus Crew’s key playmakers?
