A Winless Streak and Mounting Injuries | OneFootball

The Columbus Crew are currently navigating a rough patch in their MLS campaign, having gone winless in their last five matches. This streak has been marked by a noticeable struggle to find the back of the net, compounded by a growing list of injuries that have further hampered their performance.

Recent Matches and Performance

In their match against Philadelphia Union on May 10, 2025, the Crew managed a 2-2 draw. Despite a spirited effort, with goals from Max Arfsten and Sean Zawadzki, they couldn't secure a win. The team showed resilience but missed several key opportunities to take the lead.

The Crew then faced CF Montreal and again ended in a 1-1 draw. Jacen Russell-Rowe's late equalizer salvaged a point for the team, but the Crew's inability to capitalize on their chances was evident throughout the match.

Against FC Cincinnati on May 17, 2025, the Crew drew 1-1, with Diego Rossi scoring the only goal from a penalty. This match highlighted their ongoing struggle to convert chances into goals, as they missed several opportunities to secure a win.

The match against Charlotte FC on May 24, 2025, ended in a disappointing 2-3 loss. Defensive lapses and missed opportunities in front of goal cost the Crew dearly, as they failed to hold onto their lead and succumbed to a late comeback by Charlotte.

Looking ahead, the Crew will face Nashville SC on May 28, 2025, in a crucial fixture where they will be aiming to end their winless streak and regain some momentum.

Struggles in Front of Goal

The Crew's recent form has been characterized by a significant gap between their expected goals (xG) and actual goals scored. This disparity highlights their inefficiency in converting chances:

One of the key players struggling in front of goal is, new addition, Daniel Gazdag. Despite starting six games, Gazdag has yet to score a goal and has missed some easy opportunities that could have changed the outcome of these matches. His lack of finishing has been a significant factor in the Crew's recent struggles and fans are starting to notice. It can take time to adjust to a new team and new scenery but hopefully he gets on the score sheet sooner rather than later.

On a positive note, Aliyu Ibrahim scored his first goal, a header, in the last game against Charlotte FC. This breakthrough could potentially jump-start his form and provide the Crew with a much-needed boost in their attacking options. He was brought in to fight for minutes with Jacen Russell-Rowe and he may soon become a regular in the starting XI.

Injury Woes

Adding to their woes, the Crew have been hit by a series of injuries to key players:

Patrick Schulte: The goalkeeper is expected to be out for 2-6 weeks due to an injury, as confirmed by Coach Nancy. His absence is a significant blow to the team's defensive stability but backup goalkeeper Hagen is more than capable of starting in place of the USMNT keeper.

Rudy Camacho: The defender has missed almost the entire season with an injury, leaving a gap in the Crew's backline. Backup CB Cheberko has stepped into the role but fans are still waiting for the return of Camacho.

Steven Moreira: Another key defender who has been sidelined, further weakening the Crew's defensive setup. Unfortunately for the Crew, Moreira really has no true backup on the roster so the MLS Defender of the Year sized hole on the back line will likely be filled by committee.

After a strong start to the season, the Crew may have had their luck run out. The recent struggles have been exposed after starting the season against a series of weaker opponents. But by improving finishing in front of goal and managing their injury crisis effectively, they can get them back to their ways and climb up the MLS standings. Hopefully...