4 The Crew Podcast

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!