4 The Crew Podcast

The Columbus Crew suffer a brutal 3-0 loss to New York City FC, and the concerns surrounding this team continue to grow. In this episode, we break down everything that went wrong in Columbus Crew vs NYCFC, from the disconnected midfield pairing to the complete lack of attacking rhythm and dangerous transition play.We analyze the flatness of the offense, the recurring tactical and structural issues that have plagued the Crew throughout the MLS season, and ask the big question many fans are wondering: why did Sekou Bangoura not start?We also open the floor to the community and respond to questions from our TikTok followers about the team, the coaching decisions, player performances, and where the Crew go from here after another difficult result.If you’re looking for honest Columbus Crew analysis, MLS tactical discussion, and reaction to the NYCFC loss, this episode has you covered.

The Columbus Crew head to Yankee Stadium to take on New York City FC in one of the strangest road environments in MLS. In this episode, we preview the upcoming Crew vs NYCFC matchup and break down the key tactical storylines surrounding the game.We discuss NYCFC’s strength on set pieces and why Columbus’ set piece defending could be tested heavily in this matchup. We also talk about the unique difficulties of playing at Yankee Stadium, from the narrow field dimensions to the awkward game flow it creates.Beyond the match preview, we dive into the continued underperformance of the Crew’s current Designated Players and what needs to improve moving forward. To close the show, we discuss Kei Kamara announcing his retirement and some of the growing issues surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup.If you’re looking for Columbus Crew analysis, NYCFC preview content, MLS tactical discussion, and league-wide conversation, this episode has you covered.

The Columbus Crew experience two completely different nights this past week.First, we break down a dominant 4-1 U.S. Open Cup win over Knoxville SC, where the Crew delivered one of their most complete attacking performances. We highlight standout players, key moments, and what clicked in a match that showed the team’s potential.Then, everything flips. Columbus fall 3-2 to Minnesota United FC in a brutal collapse after leading 2-0. We analyze how the game unraveled, the set piece breakdowns, and the recurring issues that continue to cost the Crew points in MLS play.Two matches. Two completely different performances. One big question: which version of this team is real? Or is it somewhere in the middle?If you’re looking for a full Columbus Crew Open Cup recap, Minnesota United match analysis, and honest discussion about the team, this episode has you covered.

In this episode we break down Saturday's 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union. Precise diagonal switches successfully dismantled Philly’s compact high line. We provide deep dives into the clinical performance of Max Arfsten, the high-intensity engine of Sékou Bangoura, and the steady growth of Taha Habroune. Most importantly, we discuss the emotional significance of Mo Farsi’s return to the pitch after nearly a year-long injury layoff and what his presence means for the club.Turning our attention to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, we preview Wednesday’s high-stakes Round of 16 clash at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field against "giant killers" One Knoxville SC. Following their dramatic shootout victory over D.C. United, the final USL League One side in the tournament brings significant momentum and dangerous threats to Columbus. We analyze the squad rotation strategies Henrik Rydström may utilize to manage Knoxville’s energy while ensuring the Crew continues its progression in the league and maintains its growing league form.

The Columbus Crew get back on track with a 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy, delivering one of their most complete performances of the MLS season. Columbus took a 1-0 lead into halftime and doubled it just over a minute into the second half, controlling the match for long stretches before a late push from LA made things interesting.In this episode, we break down the Columbus Crew vs LA Galaxy recap, including the tactical improvements, the overall team performance, and what clicked in this match. We highlight the breakout performance from Taha Habroune, Daniel Gazdag finding the scoresheet again, and the key moments that defined the game.We also discuss the one concern...the final 10 minutes. To wrap things up, we preview the upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Union and what Columbus must carry forward from this performance, and end on the NWSL to Columbus announcement..If you’re looking for Columbus Crew analysis, MLS match recap, and Philadelphia Union preview content, this episode has you covered.

The Columbus Crew fall 2-1 to the New England Revolution after taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, marking another frustrating result in MLS play. In this episode, we provide a full Columbus Crew vs New England Revolution recap, breaking down what changed in the second half and why the match slipped away. We analyze the tactical adjustments, individual performances, and recurring issues that continue to impact results. Is it a mentality problem? A structural flaw? Or does this squad need fresh energy? We also discuss why it might be time to play the younger players and what that could mean for the team moving forward.To close the show, we preview the Crew’s upcoming midweek matchup against the LA Galaxy, outlining key storylines, matchups to watch, and what Columbus must fix to turn their MLS season around. If you’re looking for detailed Columbus Crew analysis, MLS match breakdowns, and LA Galaxy preview insight, this episode has you covered.

Open Cup night brought the goals and maybe upped the confidence. The Crew defeated the Richmond Kickers 3-0 in the R32, highlighted by Hugo Picard’s first two goals in Black & Gold and Jamal Thiaré getting on the scoresheet for the first time as well. We dive into player grades, discuss why we thought Sekou Bangoura impressed, and evaluate what these performances could mean for rotation and depth. Plus, a quick look ahead to the New England Revolution and how Columbus can build on this momentum.

It was a night of deep frustration in Columbus as the Columbus Crew failed to take advantage of an Orlando City side that has been struggling significantly, particularly on the road. Despite the visitors coming in with a porous defensive record, the Crew appeared sluggish and lacked the clinical edge needed to control the match. The performance felt disconnected for long stretches, leaving the home crowd waiting until the 80th minute for a Diego Rossi equalizer that felt more like a temporary relief than a genuine triumph. In this episode, we try to understand why the team looked so lackluster, the impact of missed opportunities, and what this result means for the squad's momentum as they search for answers in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.

Next up for the Columbus Crew is a home matchup against Orlando City SC. On one side, Orlando’s defense is making unwanted MLS history, allowing 23 goals in just 6 games. On the other, the Crew are desperate to score at home and build momentum after getting shutout the first 2 games at the SMG.We analyze the numbers, the tactical setup, and the pressure facing both clubs heading into this match. What has to improve? Where can Columbus exploit weaknesses? And how important is this game in the early MLS season? Full breakdown this episode.

WE FINALLY WON A GAME!In this episode, we dive into the tactical evolution of the team under Rydstrom, specifically analyzing the defensive structures that defined our 3-1 win over Atlanta United. We break down a sequence of scoring that redefined the concept of an "instant response" and highlight a significant career milestone for a key member of the backline. Our analysis explores how specific spatial overloads and clinical efficiency in front of goal finally allowed the us to get a win away in Atlanta. We also go into the chaotic stoppage-time incident that saw the benches clear and Tata Martino sent to the locker room early. All this an more in this episode!

On this special episode we are joined by a figure who has been at the heart of the Columbus Crew’s most historic moments over the last decade. Carlos Mojica has experienced the club from every possible perspective, beginning his journey as a fan in the Nordecke before transitioning into a pivotal role in the front office. As the club's Communications Manager, Carlos served as a vital bilingual bridge for international stars during the 2020 MLS Cup Championship run and the move into Lower.com Field (now Scotts Miracle-Gro Field). We go into his upbringing, how he got to Columbus, joining the Crew organization, and then finally we talk about his book that came out this week!"Goal!: Awesome Soccer Stories and Fun Facts for Kids." profiles over 100 players for young kids to help them know more about the players who have shaped the beautiful game!Get the Book: "Goal!: Awesome Soccer Stories and Fun Facts for Kids" is available now at major retailers and local Columbus bookstores and also at this link to help the publisher: geni.us/goalawesomesoccerBe sure to follow us on our socials below:➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thecrewpodcast➡️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/4TheCrewPodcast➡️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/FbVsmuDuat➡️ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@4thecrewpodcast

For the first time, Matt goes solo to break down the Columbus Crew’s 2-1 loss to Toronto. It has been a winless start to the MLS season, and there is plenty to be frustrated about. In this episode, Matt takes a look at where the team is struggling, what continues to go wrong, and where there are still signs of growth. This episode also tries to give an honest evaluation of a team searching for its first win and trying to find its identity.

The Columbus Crew fall 1-0 at home to Nashville, and the bigger conversation can’t be avoided anymore. Four games into the MLS season, the Crew are still searching for a win. This episode is not just a match recap. It is a deep dive into what is going wrong, how the current Designated Players are performing, and why the attack and overall identity feel disconnected. We discuss what needs to change, where accountability falls, and whether this is a temporary dip or something more structural.PS. Matt had some wifi issues during this episode so apologies ahead of time lol

The Crew plays Nashville SC this weekend! We break down their roster, what we need to do to get a result, and give our score predictions! We also dive deep into the lifetime bans handed down to Yaw Yeboah and Derrick Jones for betting on MLS matches and discuss the gravity of the situation. On a much brighter note, André Gomes and Nariman Akhundzada have officially joined the group for training this week. Their arrival provides a much needed boost to the team, especially following the departure of Ibrahim Aliyu in his trade to the Houston Dynamo. We also take a moment to look at the expanding soccer landscape in Ohio as the new MLS NEXT Pro club in Cleveland begins to take shape in the form of Forest City Cleveland. It is a packed show covering everything from the match preview, to off field issues, to the future of the professional game in the North Ohio.

A point earned, but two dropped. The Columbus Crew draw 0-0 with the Chicago Fire on Crewsmas Day in a match defined by defensive improvement and attacking frustration. With few clear-cut chances, yet strong performances from both goalkeepers when called upon, the Crew’s improved defensive shape came with a noticeable drop in offensive spark. We unpack what worked, what didn’t, and how this result fits into the bigger picture of the MLS season. Full Columbus Crew match analysis and reaction inside.

On this Crewsmas Eve we decided why not just get in the same room to do one of these episodes? So Matt, Gabe, Brian, and Jay along with help from ClearPoint Technologies, Roosevelt Coffeehouse, and more put together our first ever live and in person episode! Hopefully will do more of these this season! We preview our Crewsmas Day game against Chicago!

The Columbus Crew drop points in a frustrating 2-2 draw against Sporting Kansas City. It is a match that felt there for the taking, but a missed penalty and several big chances left unfinished tell the story. We break down where the game slipped away, the individual moments that changed it, and whether this is just early season rust or a deeper issue in front of goal. If you are looking for a full Crew vs SKC recap this is the episode for you.

In this episode, we preview the Columbus Crew’s upcoming matchup against Sporting Kansas City and break down what might be one of the strangest roster builds in MLS right now. SKC currently sits with just 22 players on the roster, including FOUR goalkeepers, and serious questions about depth across the field. We’ll be honest… this is a squad we don’t know a ton about because of how unfamiliar and newly constructed it is. But that might actually say a lot heading into this match.We talk about:- How the Crew can exploit Kansas City’s lack of depth- Where SKC could be vulnerable- Who needs to step up for Columbus- Whether this is a game the Crew have to dominate to be legit contendersIf Columbus wants to set the tone early, this feels like an opportunity to expose a roster that may not be built to compete over 90 minutes. Let us know your score predictions and what you’re expecting from this one.

The Columbus Crew fall 3-2 to the Portland Timbers on opening day, and we break down everything from the first whistle to the final mistake. We analyze what the Crew looked like under new head coach Henrik Rydström: the buildup structure, pressing ideas, and where the new tactical concepts showed promise. The ball movement looked sharp at times, but the defensive lapses proved costly. There were flashes of the identity Rydström wants to build, but it’s clear this project will take time. We go through:- Full tactical breakdown of the match- Individual errors that led directly to Portland’s goals- Player ratings from 1-10 for every Crew player who touched the field- What looks encouraging and what clearly needs work

Matt and Nate kick off this episode with a full Columbus Crew season preview, breaking down expectations, roster construction, tactical outlook, and how the team stacks up heading into the 2026 MLS season. We also run through key offseason storylines and updates that will shape the year ahead. Then Matt and Gabe sit down with Favian Renkel to preview the opening day matchup between the Columbus Crew and the Portland Timbers. We talk key matchups, early season expectations, and what to watch out for. Favian also discusses the new MLS fantasy format with Kickbase, plus what it’s like being a writer and content creator in the modern MLS media landscape. If you’re looking for a full Crew season outlook, Portland preview, and insight into where MLS coverage is heading, this episode has you covered.Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/WjxngWPA

This episode focuses fully on previewing Orlando City SC as we break down their roster, strengths, tactical tendencies, and what the Columbus Crew need to handle to get a result. We also hit several key Crew updates, including the new kit release, Josh Williams being promoted from Crew 2 assistant coach to the first team staff after his first year in coaching, and the official signing of Nariman Akhundzada. We also talk about the preseason 1–0 loss to Nashville SC, where heavy minutes went to non-starters and developmental players. Since we could not fit Toronto and Miami previews into the schedule we plan to bring on supporters from those clubs closer to those matchups. We also preview what’s coming next...a full Crew season preview and opening match preview with special guest Favian Renkel!

Our Eastern Conference preview series continues with three more in-depth sit-downs across the East. We talk with Tyler from BIGTV NSC about Nashville SC’s offseason moves and season expectations after an early playoff exit last season, AJ from Atlanta United Fan TV about Atlanta’s roster and outlook after one of the most disappointing seasons in their histroy, and Ronnie and Vas from Soccer View Radio to get the New York perspective on both NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls. Each conversation covers what changed this offseason, the biggest strengths and concerns, and where supporters see their clubs finishing in the table. Jay opens and closes the episode with the latest Columbus Crew news and context as we keep building a full picture of the Eastern Conference heading into the new season. Be sure to share, rate us 5 stars, and subscribe! #nycfc #nyredbulls #atlantaunited #nashvillesc #mls

The Eastern Conference preview series rolls on with four more clubs and four familiar voices from around MLS. We sit down with That MLS Brit to talk Charlotte FC’s offseason changes and expectations, JaredFireFC breaks down where the Chicago Fire stand heading into the new season, Scoop on The Doop gives his read on the Philadelphia Union’s roster and direction, and Antics FC shares how FC Cincinnati fans are feeling after a busy winter. We cover what’s changed since last season, the biggest questions surrounding each club, and realistic expectations for where they finish in the Eastern Conference. Jay opens and closes the episode once again as we continue our multi-part Eastern Conference preview, bringing fan perspective, honest analysis, and league-wide context as the MLS season approaches.

We’re starting our Eastern Conference preview series with three sit-downs in one episode. We talked with RFK Refugees, The Ball Is Round, and Revolution Recap about how DC United, CF Montreal, and New England are feeling heading into the season, what changed this winter, and where they think they finish. We think this could be good information for Columbus Crew fans for when we come up against these clubs this season! Jay opens and closes it. Even though we are talking other clubs, as always GO CREW!!

This episode blends big Columbus soccer news with a fresh point of view. We talk about the NWSL Challenge Cup coming to Columbus, dive into the rumors linking Abdullah Iqbal to the Crew, and then turn things over to our guest Jays WRLD. As a newer Crew fan, Jays flips the script and asks us about the club, the culture, and what makes following the Black & Gold unique. It’s a mix of Crew news, transfer rumors, and a fresh perspective on what it means to be a Columbus supporter.

The Columbus Crew made a flurry of moves this week, and we break down all of them. On this episode, we dive into the five new players signed by the Crew, including three Homegrown signings and two players selected in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. We discuss what each addition could bring, how they fit into the roster, and what their signings say about the club’s long-term approach. We also look around the league at new coaching hires, react to Laurent Courtois rejoining the Columbus Crew organization as an assistant coach, and wrap up with some off-the-cuff hot take predictions for the upcoming MLS season.

A new era has arrived in Columbus. Henrik Rydström is officially the next Columbus Crew head coach, and we break down everything Crew fans need to know. We dive into Rydström’s background, his tactical philosophy, and how his system could reshape the current roster. Who fits, who benefits, and where questions remain heading into the next MLS season. We also cover Sekou Bangoura, who the Crew seem to be signing imminently. We also discuss the rumors surrounding James Rodríguez and Casemiro, react to Steven Moreira showing up at Celtic vs Rangers, and close the show by announcing our Podcast now being available on the National Soccer Network!

The season may be over, but there’s still plenty to unpack. On this episode, we break down the end-of-season MLS league awards and hand out the Columbus Crew’s own club-wide honors, highlighting the players who defined the year for better or worse. We also react to the Crew officially returning to the US Open Cup and what that means for the club, the supporters, and the competition as a whole. To close things out, we dive into the final six groups of the World Cup draw, discussing key storylines and early intrigue as the tournament picture comes into focus.

For it being the beginning of the offseason, this week has been BUSY! We break down Miami’s 3–1 MLS Cup Final win over Vancouver, analyze Wilfried Nancy’s first match as Celtic manager, react to Darlington Nagbe’s retirement press conference, and unpack Issa Tall’s message to Columbus Crew supporters. We finish with a full look at World Cup Groups A–F and early predictions for the tournament. The perfect liste whether you support the Columbus Crew, Celtic FC, or international football/soccer!

The MLS landscape is changing again and the Crew are right in the middle of several major storylines. We break down the newly announced 2026 MLS schedule including what dates to look out for this next season! We also react to the new stadium sponsor and name for the Columbus Crew’s home, Scott's Miracle-Go Stadium. We talk branding, fan reception, and how it impacts the identity of the Black & Gold. Then we dive into the end-of-season roster decisions, breaking down which contract options were kept, which were declined, and what those choices signal for the 2026 squad build.To wrap it up, we shift to Scotland and explain Wilfried Nancy’s tactical identity for Celtic fans, breaking down his principles, playing style, spacing, rotations, and the attacking patterns that made him one of MLS’s most respected managers. If you’re a Columbus Crew supporter, an MLS fan tracking the league’s big changes, or a Celtic fan curious about Nancy’s system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

At the Leagues Cup break we did a midseason episode breaking down how we thought each player did up to that point. But now that the 2025 Columbus Crew season is officially in the books it’s time for the end of the year grade cards! In this episode, we break down every Crew player’s performance from the 2025 MLS season, delivering each player their A+ to F report cards with full analysis on consistency, impact, injuries, and overall contribution. Who stepped up in the biggest moments? Who disappointed? And who still looks like a key piece for 2026 and beyond? This is your Columbus Crew individual player recap, player evaluation, and roster outlook heading into 2026.

Major changes are coming to MLS. In this episode, we break down MLS’s plan to shift the league calendar starting in summer 2027 and we weigh the pros and cons. We also dive into the growing rumors linking Wilfried Nancy to Celtic FC and how a move would shape the club’s future. Plus: Italy’s shocking implosion to Norway, the latest from the USMNT camp, and a rundown of Columbus Crew 2’s recent contract decisions. Even with our season done for 2025, the news doesn't stop rolling in!

The 2025 Columbus Crew season ended in the toughest way possible… a Game 3 playoff loss to FC Cincinnati in Hell Is Real. We break down the Crew’s 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs elimination after falling in the First Round, react to what went wrong in the 2-1 loss, and talk through the emotions of a rivalry postseason heartbreak. But then with the season officially over, we turn to the future. What does Columbus need to fix in 2026? Which players showed out, who took a step back, and what moves does the front office need to make this offseason? We give a full Columbus Crew roster breakdown, talk offseason needs, transfer priorities, contract questions, and what it will take to get back to MLS Cup contention.#ColumbusCrew #Crew96 #MLS #MLSPlayoffs #HellIsReal #SoccerPodcast #MajorLeagueSoccer #MLSCup

HELL IS STILL REAL! And the Columbus Crew just made it very real for FC Cincinnati. After dropping Game 1 on the road, the Crew stormed back with a statement 4-0 win in Game 2 to even the MLS Cup Playoff series and force a decisive Game 3. It was pure domination from start to finish: relentless pressing, killer finishing, and that signature Wilfried Nancy swagger. In this episode, we break down how Columbus flipped the rivalry on its head, who stepped up when it mattered most, and what needs to happen to take down FCC once and for all in Game 3. We also talk through the rest of the MLS Cup Playoffs, which teams are looking scary, and what this Crew performance says about their title chances.

Game 1 of the MLS Cup Playoffs didn’t go the Crew’s way, but this Hell Is Real rivalry series is far from over. We recap Columbus Crew’s 1–0 loss to FC Cincinnati, including lineup decisions, tactical breakdowns, and key moments that shaped the match at TQL Stadium. From scoring struggles and defensive adjustments to how players like Arfsten and Herrera underperformed in key moments, we cover what must change for Columbus to bounce back in Game 2 at Lower.com Field. If you’re a Columbus Crew fan or following the MLS Cup Playoffs, this recap has you covered.

The Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati meet in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the 2nd ever time. But instead of the Eastern Finals, this time we start with them with a first round tie..and it’s everything we’ve been waiting for! In this episode, the guys break down the massive Hell Is Real showdown: key matchups, where we think we can exploit our neighbors from Kentucky, predictions, and what it’ll take for the Crew to advance. Plus, we give our full predictions for every other first-round playoff series across MLS. Who’s going home early? Who’s making a Cup run?#Crew96 #ColumbusCrew #FCCincinnati #HellIsReal #MLSPlayoffs

It was a night of celebration and goodbyes in Columbus. The Crew finished the season with a statement 3-1 win, skipping the Wild Card game and honoring Darlington Nagbe in his final regular season home appearance.Herrera, Gazdag, and Aliyu found the back of the net as Columbus closed strong heading into the playoffs. In this episode, we react to the win, reflect on Nagbe’s impact, and make our first-round MLS playoff predictions.

It’s a massive week for American soccer and Columbus Crew fans alike. We kick things off with the U.S. U20 World Cup run, breaking down their impressive journey and tough quarterfinal loss. From there, we dive into the latest USMNT camp and matches, analyzing key performances and roster trends heading into the next international window. In MLS it’s Decision Day this Saturday as the Columbus Crew close out the regular season. We discuss playoff positioning and the legacy of Darlington Nagbe following his official retirement announcement. And to wrap up, we react to MLS experimenting with AI-generated match recaps and what it means for storytelling, coverage, and the human side of the sport. Spoiler: We aren't fans.

In this episode of 4 The Crew, we connect the dots between club and country as Columbus Crew players earn U.S. national team call-ups at every level — U17, U19, U20, and the full USMNT roster. It’s proof of just how strong the MLS development system has become in Columbus. Then, we dive into a full USMNT roster analysis, breaking down key inclusions, surprise omissions, and what it all means for Mauricio Pochettino and the road to the 2026 World Cup. If you’re a Crew fan, a US soccer supporter, or just love deep, thoughtful soccer talk, this is the episode for you.

It was a night of both encouraging returns and frustrating moments as the Crew drew 1-1 with Orlando City. Herrera’s goal from a sharp Lappalainen assist gave fans something to cheer about, while Schulte giving up a soft goal summed up the team’s defensive woes. One huge positive though was that Rossi and Zawadzki made their returns and helped solidify the team. We also talk about young talents like Picard and Habroune going into next season and what we want to see from them. In summary we recap the match, look ahead to what the Crew roster might need this offseason (and we needs to go), and highlight the positives in an up-and-down performance.

The Columbus Crew are officially playoff bound, but their 2-0 loss to the Chicago Fire might have been their worst performance of the season. On this episode, we recap what went wrong in Chicago and how the team’s form raises questions heading into the postseason. We then preview Saturday’s matchup against Orlando City SC, a team with dangerous attacking threats and a very physical style that will test the Crew’s resilience as they look to bounce back.

The Columbus Crew are three points away from clinching a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, but the challenge won’t be easy. They face the Chicago Fire, a team fighting for their postseason lives with one of the most dangerous attacks in the Eastern Conference. Add in Columbus’s growing injury crisis, and this matchup becomes a true test of depth, resilience, and composure. We break down the playoff stakes, the key battles on the field, and why this clash could define the Crew’s season.

The Crew’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Toronto FC left fans with plenty to say, so we gave the mic to you. After a short recap of the match, we dive into listener comments about what’s holding the team back, what’s gone wrong during this stretch, and whether anything can change before the season ends. We wrap things up by sharing what we hope to see in the Crew’s last three games of 2025.

The Columbus Crew’s 3-2 loss to NYCFC felt like more than just another defeat it yet again exposed just how shaky this defense has become. On this episode, we break down the chaos at the back, from a tough night for Patrick Schulte to the lack of cohesion across the backline. It wasn’t all bad news, though: Abou Ali impressed again, and Picard showed flashes of promise that could pay off down the stretch. We dig into the tactical decisions, mentality issues, and game flow that defined the night, while asking the bigger question: can the Crew find any defensive stability before the playoff race slips away?

What a wild game! Somehow we were up 5-0 in Atlanta United's backyard by the 40th minute and we were crusing... Final score? 5-4. The most stressful 3 points we’ve ever seen. On the pod we dive into what went right early for the Columbus Crew, how it all started to fall apart, and why this win feels more like a warning sign than a celebration.Also: If you missed it we got a chance to sit down with Crew legend Frankie Hejduk on our last episode! Definitely go check that out!

Columbus Crew legend Frankie Hejduk joins us for a wide-ranging interview on his playing days, his connection to the city of Columbus, and his take on where the the USMNT needs to improve. We close out the episode with a full preview of the upcoming Atlanta United match, highlighting the storylines, key matchups, and what Columbus needs to get the win. Plus more!

Cameron Fontana returns to the podcast for his second sit down with us, and this time the conversation goes even deeper. We talk Columbus Crew’s 2025 season so far, as Cameron shares his honest but hopeful take on the team’s playoff chances. From the areas where the Crew have fallen short to what needs to change down the stretch, he explains why he still believes Columbus has what it takes to turn things around in MLS.We also spotlight the USMNT’s upcoming showdown with Japan but instead of a standard match preview, Cameron and Gabe take us inside the cultural side of Japanese soccer. From the values of cleanliness and respect in the locker room to the unmatched fan experience in the stands, we look at how Japan’s approach to the game feels completely unique in the world of soccer.Finally, the episode also takes a culture turn as Cameron and Gabe, who also lived in Japan for a year, share stories from their time abroad. They dive into Japanese traditions, unforgettable food, language, daily life, and plenty of fun memories. Their back-and-forth brings out a side of both soccer and Japanese culture that you won’t find on most American soccer podcasts. Whether you’re a Columbus Crew fan, a USMNT supporter, fascinated by Japanese culture, or just someone who loves a great story, this episode has something for you.

The Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls somehow turned 90 minutes of MLS soccer into one of the dullest 0-0 draws of the season. We break down what went wrong, what it means for the Crew’s playoff push, and how the Red Bulls’ style sucked the life out of the match. From there, we switch gears to the Premier League with Matt and Gabe's fandom over there, and a quick update on our MLS fantasy league standings. Plus, stick around to the end as we tease our next two Massive Mic interviews.

The Crew suffered a disappointing home loss to New England but can they bounce back against the Red Bulls this weekend? We preview the matchup, highlight key things to look for, and then we also dive into the latest USMNT roster as the U.S. prepares for South Korea and Japan.

It was supposed to be a bounce-back game against a team in crisis. Instead, the Crew became the Revs’ get-right match. Columbus fell 2-1 at home to a New England side that came in on one of the league’s worst runs of form, making the loss sting even more. On this episode we break down how the game slipped away and dig into the bigger issues that have defined the Crew’s 2025 season.