Crew Coverage pres. by Medical Mutual | Rydström: ‘We want to show ourselves for our supporters’

“From one side, I take away that the team fought up until the very end to be able to come back from behind,” Diego Rossi said about the Crew's 1-1 draw with Orlando City SC. “That’s what I take away from this match. 

“Obviously, we wanted to win at home with our fans, to bring them joy. I think that’s important for us, but we didn’t get it, so we are left with a bad taste to not be able to give the three points to our fans, who always support us. We have to keep working to earn that and be able to give them more joy.” 

In the opening 25 minutes, the Crew struggled to generate opportunities. After 14 minutes, they were punished, as Marco Pašalić gave the visitors an early lead. 

At halftime, Rydström delivered this message:

“Come on, you have this life and this career, don't wait to be the best you.”

And then we saw a better version of Columbus. 

In the second 45, the Crew played with urgency and intensity. They pinned their opposition back and generated one attacking wave after the next. With each chance, The Nordecke swayed in emotions. 

Eventually, the home side was rewarded in the 80th minute with an outstanding equalizer from Rossi, who scored his third goal this campaign. 

Receiving a looped ball in from Taha Habroune, Rossi took a touch and volleyed a screamer to the back post. 

The Crew kept pressing and looked likely to earn more than just a salvaged point but couldn’t break the deadlock. It was an encouraging conclusion to a match that started alarmingly, given the conceded goal and injury. 

“This thing with Wes came, and of course that can maybe bring you down, but I think we reacted well on that,” Rydström said. “After that, I think it was our game without us being outstanding. We dominated. In the second half we looked more like we want to show ourselves for our supporters.” 

Hopefully, offensive momentum continues Wednesday night when the Crew return to Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play for the first time since 2023. The Black & Gold will face the Richmond Kickers, a USL League One side, on the road in a Round of 32 matchup. This is the first fixture between the clubs in the competition. 

“I'm quite happy with the last two-and-a-half weeks. The game against Atlanta… I wanted to win today also for the supporters – amazing support again,” Rydström said. “I see the steps we are taking in training and then the possibility to also get playing time to players that haven't been that much on the pitch will be a good opportunity on Wednesday. That is also a thing that connects even more that more players contribute. Like I said, I saw it today, and we will see it on Wednesday.”