MLS

Aug 5, 2025

Columbus Crew Clinch Crucial 1-0 Victory Over Club León in Leagues Cup Showdown

In a decisive Leagues Cup clash at Lower.com Field, the Columbus Crew edged out Mexican side Club León 1-0, securing a vital three points that could define their tournament trajectory. With Max Arfsten’s second-half strike the lone goal of the night, the Crew concluded the group stage atop their group with seven points and a +3 goal differential. The result keeps their knockout round hopes alive, pending outcomes from other final group-stage matches.

Photo Credit: Claire Komarek

Consistent Success, But the Stakes Remain

The win marked Columbus’ eighth all-time Leagues Cup victory (8-0-3), and their second group-stage win this tournament following a 3-1 result over Puebla and a 2-2 draw (followed by a penalty loss) against Toluca. Head Coach Wilfried Nancy's team now finds itself in a holding pattern, awaiting the results of other MLS and Liga MX teams to learn whether their point total will be enough to crack the top four and advance.

Despite the positive result, Nancy acknowledged the pressure his players were under entering the match.

“We won. This is the most important because we could have tied,” said Nancy. “It’s not easy when you start the game knowing that you have to win—and also that you have to score a lot of goals. That’s difficult to tell the players.”

It’s a familiar script for the Crew, who, despite producing more shot attempts throughout the group stage, frequently fell short in terms of shots on target and conversion. Across three matches, Columbus tallied just 10 shots on target from 35 attempts. Against León, they registered four on-target efforts—again failing to capitalize beyond a single goal.

Photo Credit: Claire Komarek

Defender Sean Zawadzki acknowledged the missed opportunity to improve their goal differential but emphasized the importance of the win:

“Obviously, would have liked to score more,” Zawadzki said. “But most importantly, we got the three points.”

Arfsten Delivers—Again

Midfielder Max Arfsten continues to prove his value as a rising star. In the 53rd minute, the 24-year-old gathered a loose ball at the top of the box, took two steadying touches, and buried a shot over León goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez. It marked his second goal of the tournament and sixth across all competitions in 2025.

Arfsten initially appeared to have scored inside the first five minutes, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review that ruled forward Daniel Gazdag offside in the buildup.

Photo Credit: Claire Komarek

“It was a little bit of relief, to be honest,” Arfsten said. “It always sucks when you score and you celebrate, and then they call it back. So, I was happy that finally counted.”

Since returning from national team duty with the U.S. in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Arfsten has notched three goals, reinforcing his growing role in Columbus’ midfield attack.

Schulte’s Redemption Arc

Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte rebounded in a big way. After struggling in earlier Leagues Cup outings—conceding five goals across two appearances—the 24-year-old delivered a commanding performance. His four saves, including a crucial stop on Ismael Díaz’s shot that nearly crossed the line, helped preserve a clean sheet and secure the win.

This shutout marks Schulte’s third of the season and his first since returning from an oblique injury.

“It feels good, definitely,” Schulte said. “Good for myself, but as well, for the backline. It’s been a struggle...but it definitely feels good that we had a game like this.”

Photo Credit: Claire Komarek

A Physical Contest, Escalating Tensions

The match wasn't without drama. Tempers flared late as León, seeking to disrupt Columbus’ rhythm, leaned into physicality and time-wasting tactics. In stoppage time, verbal spats escalated into shoving, forcing referees to intervene—albeit ineffectively.

Only two yellow cards were issued despite several heated exchanges, frustrating players and coaches alike.

“I don’t like to talk about referees,” Nancy said, “but obviously the referee tonight didn’t control the game. It could have been more yellow cards… but he didn’t do it.”

Zawadzki echoed the sentiment, noting León’s tactics to kill momentum. Still, the Crew stayed composed enough to close out the match and preserve the result.

Photo Credit: Claire Komarek

Looking Ahead

Columbus returns to MLS play on August 9 against New York City FC at Citi Field. Whether their Leagues Cup journey continues depends on the outcomes of several matches over the next 48 hours. As of now, the Crew sit atop the standings—but with several teams still in contention, their quarterfinal fate hangs in the balance.

Final Notes & Stats

  • Record vs Liga MX teams under Wilfried Nancy: 5-1-4
  • Max Arfsten: 2 goals in Leagues Cup 2025, 6 total in 2025
  • Andrés Herrera: 1 assist vs León, 3 total in 2025
  • Patrick Schulte: 4 saves, 1 clean sheet, 23 career shutouts
  • Crew Home Form since 2023: 41 wins, 18 draws, 7 losses in 66 matches

Whether this marks the end or just the beginning of their Leagues Cup knockout campaign, the Crew’s gritty win over Club León was a showcase of resilience, emerging talent, and a club that continues to fight for bigger moments on the continental stage.

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