Much of the Columbus Crew’s 2025 season has centered on execution in the final third. When they score, the goals come in bunches and the Black & Gold look like an Eastern Conference juggernaut. When they don’t, head coach Wilfried Nancy says not to worry – the goals will return.
And as is usual, Nancy is right once again.
The Crew have now won two-straight matches thanks to a first-half flurry of goals Wednesday night to beat Atlanta United FC, 3-1, at Lower.com Field.
"If you remember the games that we played, we had many chances at certain moments and we [didn’t] score,” Nancy said. “The game is about cycles. Sometimes we cannot explain. Sometimes we can struggle to score an easy tap-in, and sometimes we can score really complex goals. This is football.
“The most important for me is to be able to attack the box as many [times] as possible. The fact that we're able to do that, I'm confident for the rest.”
Andrés Herrera scored his first goal of the season in the 23rd minute to put the home side in front. Receiving a Dylan Chambost ball behind the Atlanta backline, Herrera did well to control it before lashing a shot toward the back post.
Jacen Russell-Rowe then earned his first brace of his professional career with goals in the 32nd and 42nd minutes. His first was especially impressive, as he capped a Crew movement that started from goalkeeper Evan Bush.
With the two goals, Russell-Rowe now has a career-high seven goals through 19 appearances for Columbus this season.
“I want more from Mr. Jacen – he knows that,” Nancy said. “Today, I'm happy for him, but I'm not happy really because I know that he can repeat this kind of performance. Again, if he's able to repeat this kind of performance, he's going to have a good, brilliant career.”
Columbus conceded a consolation goal in the 56th minute, but kept the Five Stripes at bay otherwise to seal a strong midweek win ahead of Sunday’s massive matchup.
The Black & Gold, who have only played two league matches this month, return to Lower.com Field on Sunday to host first-place Philadelphia Union at 6 p.m. There’s currently a six-point gap the Crew can close with three points.
“We want to keep pushing,” Chambost said. “We want to beat everything we're going to face starting from Sunday. We know we have a big team against us, but we're going to be ready. We're going to prepare for this game as usual and try to beat Philly.”
Also, it should be noted that two Crew players – Diego Rossi and Max Arfsten – were named to the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. This will be a first All-Star Game appearance for Arfsten and fourth for Rossi, who also played in last year’s game in Columbus against the Liga MX All Stars.
Rossi had an assist against Atlanta, while Arfsten is with the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
“Obviously, Diego good for him, but it's not his first time,” Nancy said. “Max, really proud. The Club is really proud of him and also his teammates and as a coach and as a staff also because we know where he came from. This is a good example in terms of when you are talented but also you have a good work ethic, you can do good things.”
