Latest news with #WilfriedNancy
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Columbus Crew lack finish. What will they do against Lionel Messi, Inter Miami?
The Crew's Wilfried Nancy is one of the best coaches in MLS. That's the safe way to put it. I've said he's the best coach I've seen at any level in any sport, and I'll stick to it. Nancy's style demands brave players who buy in, completely, to the system. They aim to possess the ball, break down the defense in front of them and score. When they lose the ball, they endeavor to get it back as quickly as possible and score. Neither the scoreboard nor the time clock dissuades them from these tasks. They don't bunker. They go forward. Advertisement "This is the poison that I decided to drink, because I like it," Nancy said earlier this week. On the evening of May 28, Nancy's team had to come from behind − twice − to secure a point in a 2-2 draw with Nashville in the new Crew Stadium. That's the way it has been going for the Crew of late. They'll take a five-game winless streak (0-4-1) into a monster game against Lionel Messi Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale on May 31. More: Columbus Crew extend winless streak to 5 games with draw vs Nashville SC: Takeaways The Crew have suffered from defensive lapses − why is Nashville's leading scorer left open on the back post? − and have conceded goals on set pieces. These miscues were rare last year, when they made it to the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, won Leagues Cup and set franchise records for goals and points, among other things (including differential). These miscues were more common during Nancy's first season, 2023, but they were mitigated by the lethality of the Crew's attack. By the time the playoffs rolled around, everything was clicking and the Crew went on to win the 2023 MLS Cup. Advertisement More: How the Columbus Crew climbed from near extinction to the top of American soccer Other teams are now familiar with the Crew's style and are better prepared to counter it. That said, part of the bedrock of Nancy's philosophy is that it doesn't matter much what other teams are doing if the Crew are executing. And he's right. During this interlude of a four-game winless streak, the Crew have dominated their opposition for long stretches. The problem is the possession and attacking has not led to enough goals. The Crew (7-2-7) aren't in bad shape: They've lost only two of 16; they're in fourth place in the East and fifth place in the league; there's more than half of the season yet to play, and the Supporters' Shield, which goes to the team with the best record, remains in play. That said, they have a scoring problem which looks acute when they play against the league's elite. Fans felt it as they watched the Crew lose to Miami in Cleveland and settle for draws against Cincinnati (at home) and Philadelphia (away). What fans felt is a painful pining for Cucho Hernandez, who was sold to Spanish team Real Betis on the eve of the regular season. Hernandez may have been the best player in the league and he, along with Christian Ramirez (traded to the LA Galaxy) accounted for 27 of the Crew's 72 goals last season. Advertisement Attacker Daniel Gazdag, acquired in a cash deal with Philadelphia last month, has yet to fill these boots. He fills a Designated Player slot. He has zero goals and zero assists in eight appearances (six starts). Nancy said, 'I try to fight people (who tell) Daniel, 'You've got to score. You've got to score.' Leave him alone. He's going to score, yes, because he has been doing that for many years." Nancy said, 'What I do when a player comes, he sits on the bench. He doesn't start. … That, I didn't do with Daniel. … Now, he just needs time. And I will give him the time. I fully trust his quality. I fully trust in the person.' And Nancy said: "So, with a lot of respect and a lot of humility, we are not a common team where we focus on one guy. I don't believe in that." Real Betis forward Cucho Hernandez celebrates scoring during the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Sevilla FC at Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville on March 30, 2025. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP) (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images) Nancy is consistent in this: He likes the story his players are writing. There are things that need to be cleaned up, but that is so for every team, all the time. The goals will come. Advertisement Note: Nancy's teams, dating back to his time in Montreal, have been subject to spring swoons. His first Crew team went 1-4-2 during April-May of 2023. His second Crew team went 0-2-5 in April-May of 2024. Here they are again, winless in their past six. More: Will Columbus Crew sign a striker? Wilfried Nancy talks focus for MLS summer window Nancy has earned some leeway here. It may be that the Crew go down to Florida and defeat Messiami behind two goals from Gazdag and two from Diego Rossi (who is having a splendid season). Then, this whole narrative changes. General manager Issa Tall goes out and adds critical reinforcements during the summer transfer window, which opens July 24, and the Crew go on to contend for trophies. "For me, my focus is not about looking for a No. 9 (striker), I want to be clear with that," Nancy said. "This is not my focus. My focus is to be better with my team, to bring a player or a few players to help my team get better. Simple as that." Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy watches his team against Nashville SC in the second half during their MLS game at Field on May 28, 2025. Maybe the Crew can find some finish. Maybe they'll be able to create even more chances, although that's difficult to fathom (they create so many as it is). Maybe they'll manage to create different types of chances to better facilitate the finishers. None of this is beyond Nancy's genius. Advertisement But if the Crew continue to have problems with the elites (and non-elites) of the East, it will behoove them to do what Nancy says they do not want to do − and that is to go out on the market and find a forward with a $15-million-plus price tag to regain some of what they lost when Hernandez took his talents to Seville. marace@ Get more Crew news by listening to our podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami face Columbus Crew in MLS rematch
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coming up: Columbus Crew face Charlotte FC on the road
After recording three consecutive draws, the Crew (7-1-6) are attempting to get back in the win column against the team they most recently defeated, Charlotte FC (6-7-1). The Crew picked up a 4-2 victory over Charlotte at Field on May 3, which was the second in Charlotte's current five-game losing streak. Advertisement BLACK & GOLD: Sign up for our weekly Crew newsletter here Despite the Crew's recent success against Charlotte — not to mention scoring a season-high in goals during their previous meeting — coach Wilfried Nancy is still expecting this road matchup to be a challenge. "It's always difficult because this is a quick turnaround," Nancy said. "We had a good game against them. Now the mindset is a bit different in terms of what they want to do against us. After that, also in terms of results, they didn't have the result that they wanted. … So, always difficult." Columbus Crew defender Mohamed Farsi (23) moves the ball against Charlotte FC in the first half at Field on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Follow along for updates from the Crew's road game vs Charlotte FC. Where do Columbus Crew, Charlotte FC rank in Eastern Conference standings? The Crew are ranked third in the Eastern Conference, while Charlotte sits in eighth. Advertisement Here are the top five teams in the MLS Eastern Conference: Philadelphia Union (9-3-2: 29 points) FC Cincinnati (9-3-2: 29 points) Columbus Crew (7-1-6: 27 points) Nashville SC (7-4-3: 24 points) Orlando City SC: (6-2-6: 24 points) How to listen to Columbus Crew vs Charlotte FC radio broadcast The Crew vs. Charlotte English-speaking radio broadcast will be on Alt 105.7 FM and available via the iHeartRadio app. Columbus' regular radio broadcaster Chris Doran will be on the call. The Spanish radio broadcast can be found on La Grande 103.1 FM and the La Grande radio app with Juan Valladares doing play-by-play. Columbus Crew vs Charlotte FC streaming information The Crew-Charlotte match will be streaming on Apple TV, with a required MLS Season Pass subscription. Here are the broadcast teams for tonight: Advertisement English broadcast: Christian Miles (play-by-play), Lori Lindsey (analyst) Spanish broadcast: Pablo Ramirez (play-by-play), Jesus Bracamontes (analyst) When does Columbus Crew vs Charlotte FC kick off? Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. May 24 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. bmackay@ @brimackay15 Get more Columbus Crew content by listening to our podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew vs Charlotte FC: Live MLS updates, score
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hell is Real: What channel is Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati on tonight?
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability subject to change. Wilfred Nancy said there no bad blood between himself and FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan ahead of their clash in the first Hell is Real match of 2025. During the offseason, Noonan made waves in an Apple TV+ docuseries episode of "Onside." The episode focused on the Hell is Real rivalry and included a comment from Noonan that was perceived as a jab toward Nancy's coaching style. Advertisement "When we go down the road of philosophy and culture, it's a little bit cringe at times for me,' Noonan said. "You hear and see coaches that just want to sound really smart. ... Maybe it's because I don't have the vocabulary where I can use these crazy, made-up words to sound really smart." Noonan did an interview with The Athletic following the release of the episode claiming that quote was taken out of context, and was not directed at Nancy. Crew coach Wilfried Nancy, seen here in April, often talks about the philosophy of his coaching style, while Cincinnati's Pat Noonan says that would make him cringe. Nancy, on the other hand, says he has not watch the docuseries episode. "There is nothing but respect, I have for him," Nancy said. "And I can say that this is the same also towards me. ... So, this is no problem." Advertisement Here's how to watch the Crew vs Cincinnati tonight. What channel is Columbus Crew vs CF Cincinnati, plus livestream info Channel: Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes Live stream: Apple TV, Apple TV+ Date/Time: May 17, 7:15 p.m. The Crew vs. FC Cincinnati will be featured on cable television via FS1, with a Spanish broadcast option on Fox Deportes. Hell is Real: What to know about the Columbus Crew-FC Cincinnati MLS rivalry The game will also be streamed on Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass subscription. Apple TV+ subscribers can watch the matchup without an MLS Season Pass subscription. Who are the broadcast teams for Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati? FS1 broadcast: Joe Malfa (play-by-play), Tony Meola (analyst) Apple TV broadcast (English): Keith Costigan (play-by-play), Maurice Edu (analyst) Apple TV broadcast (Spanish): Pablo Ramirez (play-by-play), Jesus Bracamontes (analyst) What station is Columbus Crew vs CF Cincinnati radio broadcast? The radio broadcast of Crew vs Cincinnati will be available on 105.7 FM and the iHeartRadio app with Chris Doran on the call. The Spanish radio broadcast, featuring Juan Valladares, will be available via 103.1 FM La Mega. Advertisement BLACK & GOLD: Sign up for our weekly Columbus Crew newsletter Columbus Crew recent results May 14: at CF Montreal (D, 1-1) May 10: at Philadelphia Union (D, 2-2) May 3: vs Charlotte FC (W, 4-2) April 26: vs San Jose Earthquakes (W, 2-1) April 19: vs Inter Miami (L, 1-0) Columbus Crew upcoming schedule May 24: at Charlotte FC May 28: vs Nashville SC May 31: at Inter Miami June 14: vs Vancouver Whitecaps June 25: vs Atlanta United bmackay@ @brimackay15 Get more Columbus Crew content by listening to our podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati: How to watch, stream live
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coming up: Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati in Hell is Real MLS rivalry match
The intensity is high for the first Hell is Real matchup of the season. The Crew (7-1-5) are entering two spots behind first-place FC Cincinnati (9-3-1). In addition, Columbus failed to record a victory over Cincinnati in 2024. Advertisement However, Wilfried Nancy still feels Columbus and Cincinnati are on an even playing field. "My team will never be an underdog," Nancy said. "It's a game. Let's start the game, and we will see. But imagine me as a coach saying, 'Guys, they spend more money than us, they have new players. So, if we can do well, it will be enough.' No, we'll just play." Follow along for live updates from the Crew vs Cincinnati in Hell is Real. Where do Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati rank in Eastern Conference standings? As of Saturday morning, the Crew were ranked third in the Eastern Conference, while the Cincinnati is at the top of the conference. Advertisement Here are the top five teams in the MLS Eastern Conference: FC Cincinnati (9-3-1: 28 points) Philadelphia Union (8-3-2: 26 points) Columbus Crew (7-1-5: 26 points) Nashville SC (7-4-2: 23 points) Inter Miami (6-2-4: 22 points) How to listen to Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati radio broadcast The Crew vs. Cincinnati English-speaking radio broadcast will be on Alt 105.7 FM and available via the iHeartRadio app. Columbus' regular radio broadcaster Chris Doran will be on the call. The Spanish radio broadcast can be found on La Grande 103.1 FM and the La Grande radio app with Juan Valladares doing play-by-play. Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati channel, streaming information The Crew-Cincinnati match will be broadcasted on Fox Sports 1, as well as streamed on Apple TV with a required MLS Season Pass subscription. Subscribers of Apple TV+ can watch the game without MLS Season Pass. Here are the broadcast teams for tonight: Advertisement Fox Sports 1 (English broadcast): Joe Malfa (play-by-play), Tony Meola (analyst) Apple TV (English broadcast): Keith Costigan (play-by-play), Maurice Edu (analyst) Apple TV (Spanish broadcast): Pablo Ramirez (play-by-play), Jesus Bracamontes (analyst) When does Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati kick off? Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. May 17 at Field. bmackay@ @brimackay15 Get more Columbus Crew content by listening to our podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati: Live Hell is Real MLS match updates
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Messi Has Stiff Competition In MLS Eastern Conference, But No Rival
On paper, the fight shaping up atop the MLS Eastern Conference should be exactly what the league front office has hoped for. After Matchday 11, the Eastern Conference has four teams that have averaged 2.0 points or more per match so far this season. It's the first time there have ever been so many clubs in one conference maintaining that pace this far along in the MLS regular season. And generally speaking, the clubs are the usual suspects. There's the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup Champions Columbus Crew, managed by reigning MLS manager of the year Wilfried Nancy. There's 2023 Supporters' Shield winners FC Cincinnati. There's the 2022 Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup runners-up Philadelphia Union. And then, of course, there is Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, winners of the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield. Why then, do the consequences of Miami's league games of late feel so muted? There's the fact that Messi and Miami already won the 'regular season title" last year before collapsing in the MLS Cup Playoffs. That certainly makes the Shield less of a primary focus this year for the Herons, although they're still clearly in contention. (Miami sits fourth in the East because they have a match in hand on the top three.) There's also some hangover from Miami's stunning and decisive exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup in the semifinals to a thoroughly impressive Vancouver Whitecaps side. Messi finally put some of that frustration to bed by scoring the final goal in a 4-1 league win over the New York Red Bulls over the weekend. Still, his gait suggested a frustrated figure as he left the field on Saturday night. But what's also clearly missing from the Messi MLS era is what made the majority of his time at FC Bacelona so mesmerizing: The presence of a worthy adversary in Cristiano Ronaldo at Barca's top rival for trophies, Real Madrid. Messi's influence to bring former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to Miami may be the most lasting development of his time in MLS, introducing a star-clustering dynamic also more regularly seen in the NBA. But for MLS, the next step of replicating that NBA model is to foster a climate where there's actually several teams with big stars to breed rivalries between personalities. At the moment, MLS is facing a far more difficult task than the NBA in that aim because those stars typically arrive late in their careers, and it takes time to forge a feud. Yet we did see one example for two seasons in Southern California, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic played for the LA Galaxy while Carlos Vela played for LAFC. Of course, it helped that Ibrahimovic had no problems making his feelings on Vela widely known. Of course, it's harder to find a reasonable rival for Messi because his accomplishments are so otherworldly that he is regularly considered the greatest living player without so much as a debate. But a rival needn't be capable of posing a real threat to an in-his-prime Messi, only the somewhat more athletically challenged version that will turn 38 in June. There were some decent candidates in last year's Eastern Conference, but they've all moved on. Fellow Argentine Luciano Acosta won the 2023 MLS MVP for FC Cincinnati the year that Messi arrived in Miami, but moved on to FC Dallas in a preseason transfer before the 2025 season began. Cucho Hernandez may have also proven a worthy foil at Columbus, but no one could blame he or the Crew for enabling a big-money move to Real Betis in La Liga. And virtually all the personalities from the height of Philadelphia's previous title challenges have moved on, including fiery defensive midfielder Jose Andres Martinez and creative playmaker Daniel Gazdag. Perhaps Evander, Cincinnati's replacement for Acosta who previously played for the Portland Timbers, could evolve into a rival. His Brazilian nationality certainly helps, as does his more outspoken personality that could clash with Messi's introversion. Or maybe there's another import – Kevin DeBruyne, for example – who lands at another Eastern Conference foe this summer. But at this point, it's unclear how much time is left to foster any sort of rivalry while Messi remains in MLS. Miami and Messi are thought to be nearing a contract extension, but Messi will turn 38 in June, so we could be talking an additional year or two at most.
