Crew Lack Offensive Creativity | OneFootball

The Columbus Crew's 2025 season has been marred by a noticeable decline in attacking creativity, a void that became glaringly evident following the departure of star forward Cucho Hernández to La Liga. This absence was particularly pronounced in their recent 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.

Loss to LAFC: A Stark Illustration of Offensive Deficiency

In their March 4 encounter with LAFC, the Crew struggled to generate meaningful offensive plays. The match statistics underscore this deficiency:

Possession: The Crew maintained 68% possession, yet failed to translate this dominance into scoring opportunities.Shots: They managed 10 shots, with a mere 1 on target, highlighting their inability to challenge LAFC's defense effectively.Pass Accuracy: While their pass accuracy stood at 90%, the lack of incisive passes into attacking zones was evident as the team create a whoping ZERO big changes in 90 minutes.

LAFC's Denis Bouanga exploited defensive lapses, scoring two goals in the 20th and 46th minutes, with Nathan Ordaz adding a third in the 81st minute.

Struggles Against Houston Dynamo: Continuation of Offensive Woes

The Crew's attacking challenges persisted in their March 8 match against the Houston Dynamo. Despite holding 64% possession, they registered 11 shots, 5 of which were on target and generated only one big chance. This continued lack of offensive production raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level without a creative spark in attack.

The Void Left by Cucho Hernández

Cucho Hernández's departure has left a significant void in the Crew's attacking lineup. His vision, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring prowess were instrumental in creating scoring opportunities. Without him, the team has struggled to find a cohesive attacking rhythm, relying heavily on players like Diego Rossi and Jacen Russell-Rowe. However, these individuals have yet to consistently fill the creative void left by Hernández's exit.

Looking Ahead: The Challenge of Rebuilding the Attack

As the Crew prepare for the second leg against LAFC on March 11 at Lower.com Field, they face the daunting task of overcoming a three-goal deficit. To mount a successful comeback, the team must find ways to unlock opposing defenses and create high-quality scoring chances. This will require tactical adjustments, improved player performances, and perhaps strategic reinforcements to rejuvenate their attacking play.

The Columbus Crew's recent performances have laid bare the challenges of adapting to life without Cucho Hernández. Addressing the evident lack of attacking creativity will be crucial for the team's success in the remainder of the season. Unfortunately for fans, the hole won't be addressed until the summer transfer window when 2/3 of the season is over.