2021 Columbus Crew season
Columbus Crew SC 2021 soccer season
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2021 Columbus Crew season was the club's 26th season of existence and their 26th consecutive season in Major League Soccer, the top flight of soccer in the United States and Canada. The first match of the season was on April 18 against Philadelphia Union. It was the third season under head coach Caleb Porter.
Investor-operatorsDee Haslam
Jimmy Haslam
JW Johnson
Whitney Johnson
Dr. Pete Edwards
Jimmy Haslam
JW Johnson
Whitney Johnson
Dr. Pete Edwards
Head coachCaleb Porter
StadiumHistoric Crew Stadium
(until June 19, 2021)
Lower.com Field
(since July 3, 2021)
(until June 19, 2021)
Lower.com Field
(since July 3, 2021)
Major League SoccerConference: 9th
Overall: 17th
Overall: 17th
| 2021 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Investor-operators | Dee Haslam Jimmy Haslam JW Johnson Whitney Johnson Dr. Pete Edwards | ||
| Head coach | Caleb Porter | ||
| Stadium | Historic Crew Stadium (until June 19, 2021) Lower.com Field (since July 3, 2021) | ||
| Major League Soccer | Conference: 9th Overall: 17th | ||
| MLS Cup playoffs | Did not qualify | ||
| U.S. Open Cup | Canceled | ||
| CONCACAF Champions League | Quarterfinals | ||
| Campeones Cup | Winners | ||
| Top goalscorer | League: Lucas Zelarayán (12) All: Lucas Zelarayán (13) | ||
| Highest home attendance | 20,407 (7/3 v. NE) | ||
| Lowest home attendance | 5,180 (4/18 v. PHI) and (5/8 v. DC) | ||
| Average home league attendance | 16,583 (81.4%) | ||
| Biggest win | EST 0–4 CLB (4/8) CLB 0–4 MIA (10/16) | ||
| Biggest defeat | MTRY 3–0 CLB (5/5) PHI 3–0 CLB (10/3) | ||
|
| |||
The 2021 season saw Columbus defending their 2020 MLS Cup championship, as well as the opening of Lower.com Field, the club's new downtown stadium. They hosted the 2021 Campeones Cup against Cruz Azul, the winner of the Liga MX's Campeón de Campeones winning 2–0. The club also participated in the CONCACAF Champions League, their first appearance since the 2010–11 tournament.
The team began playing the season under the name Columbus Crew SC until a rebrand on May 10, 2021, after which the name was changed to Columbus SC. However, after criticism over the rebrand was spurred by its fans, the club announced that it would return to its original name. The "SC" was dropped and the club was once again the Columbus Crew.[1][2]
This was the last season in which Columbus Crew played at Historic Crew Stadium, where the team played their final match against the Chicago Fire on June 19, 2021, with a 2–0 win.[3] The team then moved to Lower.com Field near downtown Columbus, where they would play their first match at the new stadium against the New England Revolution with a 2–2 draw on July 3, 2021.[4][5]
Roster
- As of October 28, 2021[6]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
Technical Staff
| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| President & General Manager |  Tim Bezbatchenko |
| Head Coach | Caleb Porter |
| Technical Director, VP of Soccer Operations |  Pat Onstad |
| Vice President, Soccer Administration & Operations | Jaime McMillan |
| Director of Player Personnel and Strategy |  Issa Tall |
| Assistant General Manager, Crew 2 General Manager | Corey Wray |
| Director of Scouting |  Neil McGuinness |
| Assistant Coach | Ben Cross |
| Assistant Coach | Tim Hanley |
| Assistant Coach |  Ezra Hendrickson |
| Assistant Coach |  Pablo Moreira |
| First Team Video Coach Analyst | Blair Gavin |
| Head of Sport Science & Medicine | Chris Shenberger |
| Director of Performance | Daniel Hicker |
| Data Analyst | Alex Mysiw |
| Fitness Coach |  Federico Pizzuto |
| Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach | Kelly Roderick |
| Head Athletic Trainer | Chris Rumsey |
| Assistant Athletic Trainer | Catherine Hill |
| Assistant Athletic Trainer | Daniel Givens |
| Head Equipment Manager | David Brauzer |
| Assistant Equipment Manager | Ron Meadors |
| Manager of Team Operations | Julio Velasquez |
| Player Care Coordinator | McKenzie Bostic |
Source: [[7]]
Non-competitive
Preseason
The Crew played preseason matches in Florida. They brought six academy players with them to training camp: Anthony Samways, Elton Chifamba, Noah Hall, Samuel Sarver, TJ Presthus and Levi Stephens
| March 24 Friendly | Columbus Crew SC | 0–3 | New York City FC | St. Petersburg, FL |
| 7:00 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Al Lang Stadium Attendance: 0 |
| March 27 Friendly | Columbus Crew SC | 0–1 | Orlando City SC | Orlando, FL |
| 7:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Osceola Heritage Park Attendance: 0 |
| March 31 Friendly | Columbus Crew SC | 2–5 | Minnesota United FC | Bay Lake, FL |
| 11:00 AM EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex |
| April 1 Friendly | Columbus Crew SC | 2–4 | Toronto FC | Bay Lake, FL |
| 7:00 PM EDT | Report Report |
Stadium: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Attendance: 0 |
Competitive
Overview
| Competition | First match | Last match | Starting round | Final position | Record | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % | |||||
| Major League Soccer | April 18, 2021 | November 7, 2021 | Matchday 1 | 17th | 34 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 46 | 45 | +1 | 38.24 |
| CONCACAF Champions League | April 8, 2021 | May 5, 2021 | Round of 16 | Quarterfinals | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 50.00 |
| 2021 Campeones Cup | September 29, 2021 | September 29, 2021 | Final | Winner | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
| Total | 39 | 16 | 9 | 14 | 55 | 50 | +5 | 41.03 | ||||
Source: Competitions
MLS
Standings
Eastern Conference
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | New York Red Bulls | 34 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 39 | 33 | +6 | 48 | Qualification for the playoffs first round |
| 8 | D.C. United | 34 | 14 | 15 | 5 | 56 | 54 | +2 | 47 | |
| 9 | Columbus Crew | 34 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 46 | 45 | +1 | 47 | |
| 10 | CF Montréal[a] | 34 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 46 | 44 | +2 | 46 | Qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League[b] |
| 11 | Inter Miami CF | 34 | 12 | 17 | 5 | 36 | 53 | −17 | 41 |
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
Notes:
- Canadian clubs cannot qualify for the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League through the MLS regular season or playoffs.
- As 2021 Canadian Championship winners
Overall table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | LA Galaxy | 34 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 50 | 54 | −4 | 48 | |
| 16 | D.C. United | 34 | 14 | 15 | 5 | 56 | 54 | +2 | 47 | |
| 17 | Columbus Crew | 34 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 46 | 45 | +1 | 47 | |
| 18 | CF Montréal (V) | 34 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 46 | 44 | +2 | 46 | Qualification for the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League[a] |
| 19 | Los Angeles FC | 34 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 53 | 51 | +2 | 45 |
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
(V) Canadian Championship winner
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
(V) Canadian Championship winner
Notes:
- As 2021 Canadian Championship winners (CAN1)
Results summary
| Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pld | Pts | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD |
| 34 | 47 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 46 | 45 | +1 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 33 | 23 | +10 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 22 | −9 |
Source: MLS standings
Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; T = Matches tied; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference
Results by round
Match results
On March 10, 2021 the league announced the home openers for every club, with Columbus playing Philadelphia Union at Historic Crew Stadium.
| April 18 1 | Columbus Crew SC | 0–0 | Philadelphia Union | Columbus, OH |
| 5:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Historic Crew Stadium Attendance: 5,180 Referee: Ramy Touchan Assistant referees: Kathryn Nesbitt Eric Boria Fourth official: Ismir Pekmic |
| May 1 2 | CF Montréal | 0–0 | Columbus Crew SC | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| 3:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium Attendance: 0 Referee: Timothy Ford Assistant referees: Corey Rockwell Kevin Klinger Fourth official: Silviu Petrescu | ||
| Note: Due to COVID-19 Cross-border travel restrictions, the match was played at DRV PNK Stadium where Montreal played as the home team. | ||||
| May 8 3 | Columbus Crew SC | 3–1 | D.C. United | Columbus, OH |
| 1:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Historic Crew Stadium Attendance: 5,180 Referee: Silviu Petrescu Assistant referees: Cory Richardson Chantal Boudreau Fourth official: Sergii Demianchuk |
| May 12 4 | Toronto FC | 2–0 | Columbus SC | Orlando, FL |
| 7:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 0 Referee: Fotis Bazakos Assistant referees: Adam Garner T.J. Zablocki Fourth official: Ted Unkel | ||
| Note: Due to COVID-19 Cross-border travel restrictions, the match was played at Exploria Stadium where Toronto played as the home team. | ||||
| May 16 5 | New England Revolution | 1–0 | Columbus SC | Foxborough, MA |
| 6:00 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Gillette Stadium Referee: Robert Sibiga Assistant referees: Brian Poeschel Tom Felice Fourth official: Adam Kilpatrick |
| May 22 6 | New York City FC | 1–2 | Columbus Crew | Harrison, NJ |
| 7:30 PM EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 3,154 Referee: Drew Fischer Assistant referees: Logan Brown Cory Richardson Fourth official: John Griggs | |
| Note: The match was held at Red Bull Arena due to scheduling conflicts at New York City FC's home stadium, Yankee Stadium. New York City FC played as the home team for this match. | ||||
| May 29 7 | Columbus Crew | 2–1 | Toronto FC | Columbus, OH |
| 3:00 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Historic Crew Stadium Attendance: 5,700 Referee: Allen Chapman Assistant referees: Eric Boria C.J. Morgante Fourth official: Marcos de Oliveira |
| June 19 8 | Columbus Crew | 2–0 | Chicago Fire FC | Columbus, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Historic Crew Stadium Attendance: 20,064 Referee: Alex Chilowicz Assistant referees: Matt Nelson Jeffrey Swartzel Fourth official: Matthew Thompson |
| June 23 9 | Philadelphia Union | 1–0 | Columbus Crew | Chester, PA |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Subaru Park Attendance: 16,234 Referee: Joe Dickerson Assistant referees: Nick Uranga Jose Da Silva Fourth official: Jonathan Bilinski |
| June 27 10 | Austin FC | 0–0 | Columbus Crew | Austin, TX |
| 8:00 PM EDT |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Q2 Stadium Attendance: 20,738 Referee: Ted Unkel Assistant referees: Mike Rottersman Brian Poeschel Fourth official: Tori Penso |
| July 3 11 | Columbus Crew | 2–2 | New England Revolution | Columbus, OH |
| 5:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 20,407 Referee: Alan Kelly Assistant referees: Cameron Blanchard Jeremy Kieso Fourth official: Sergii Demianchuk |
| July 9 12 | FC Cincinnati | 2–2 | Columbus Crew | Cincinnati, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report | Afful  17'  42'
|
Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,701 Referee: Kevin Stott Assistant referees: Cory Richardson Jeffrey Swartzel Fourth official: Guido Gonzalez Jr. |
| July 17 13 | Columbus Crew | 2–1 | New York City FC | Columbus, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 19,113 Referee: Ramy Touchan Assistant referees: Eric Boria Claudiu Badea Fourth official: Danielle Chesky |
| July 21 14 | Columbus Crew | 0–0 | Nashville SC | Columbus, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 18,395 Referee: Rosendo Mendoza Assistant referees: Brian Poeschel Jeffrey Swartzel Fourth official: Elton Garcia |
| July 24 15 | Atlanta United FC | 0–1 | Columbus Crew | Atlanta, GA |
| 3:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Attendance: 67,507 Referee: Robert Sibiga Assistant referees: Jason White Adam Wienckowski Fourth official: Elijio Arreguin |
| July 30 16 | New York City FC | 4–1 | Columbus Crew | New York, NY |
| 7:30 PM EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Yankee Stadium Referee: Alan Kelly Assistant referees: Matt Nelson Gjovalin Bori Fourth official: Elton Garcia |
| August 4 17 | Columbus Crew | 2–4 | D.C. United | Columbus, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 18,398 Referee: Victor Rivas Assistant referees: Andrew Bigelow Meghan Mullen Fourth official: Kevin Broadley |
| August 7 18 | Columbus Crew | 2–3 | Atlanta United FC | Columbus, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 20,094 Referee: Allen Chapman Assistant referees: Brian Dunn Jeff Hosking Fourth official: Sergii Demianchuk |
| August 15 19 | Chicago Fire FC | 1–0 | Columbus Crew | Chicago, IL |
| 6:00 PM EDT |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Soldier Field Attendance: 13,005 Referee: Nima Saghafi Assistant referees: Ian McKay Eric Boria Fourth official: Natalie Simon |
| August 18 20 | New York Red Bulls | 1–0 | Columbus Crew | Harrison, NJ |
| 8:00 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 10,002 Referee: Chris Penso Assistant referees: Jeremy Hanson Gianni Facchini Fourth official: John Griggs |
| August 21 21 | Columbus Crew | 1–2 | Seattle Sounders FC | Columbus, OH |
| 5:30 PM EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 19,401 Referee: Joe Dickerson Assistant referees: Peter Balciunas Andrew Bigelow Fourth official: Baldomero Toledo |
| August 27 22 | Columbus Crew | 3–2 | FC Cincinnati | Columbus, OH |
| 6:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 19,949 Referee: Robert Sibiga Assistant referees: Jason White Ian McKay Fourth official: Silviu Petrescu |
| September 4 23 | Orlando City SC | 3–2 | Columbus Crew | Orlando, FL |
| 7:30 pm |
|
Report | Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 15,366 Referee: Armando Villarreal Assistant referees: Kevin Klinger Logan Brown Fourth official: Marcos de Oliveira |
| September 11 24 | Inter Miami CF | 1–0 | Columbus Crew | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| 4:00PM EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium Attendance: 15,014 Referee: Alan Kelly Assistant referees: Corey Parker Jose Da Silva Fourth official: Mathew Corrigan |
| September 14 25 | Columbus Crew | 2–1 | New York Red Bulls | Columbus, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 17,358 Referee: Jair Marrufo Assistant referees: Peter Balciunas Jeffrey Greeson Fourth official: Fotis Bazakos |
| September 18 26 | New England Revolution | 1–1 | Columbus Crew | Foxborough, MA |
| 7:00 PM EDT |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Gillette Stadium Attendance: 19,004 Referee: Allen Chapman Assistant referees: Andrew Bigelow Gjovalin Bori Fourth official: Robert Sibiga |
| September 25 27 | Columbus Crew | 2–1 | CF Montréal | Columbus, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 19,423 Referee: Nima Saghafi Assistant referees: Corey Parker Adam Garner Fourth official: Baldomero Toledo |
| October 3 28 | Philadelphia Union | 3–0 | Columbus Crew | Chester, PA |
| 4:00 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Subaru Park Attendance: 15,578 Referee: Victor Rivas Assistant referees: Peter Manikowski Brian Poeschel Fourth official: Elvis Osmanovic |
| October 16 29 | Columbus Crew | 4–0 | Inter Miami CF | Columbus, OH |
| 6:00 PM EDT | Report | Higuaín 16'
|
Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 19,338 Referee: Rubiel Vazquez Assistant referees: Claudiu Badea Kyle Atkins Fourth official: Guido Gonzalez Jr. |
| October 20 30 | Nashville SC | 1–1 | Columbus Crew | Nashville, TN |
| 8:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Nissan Stadium Attendance: 18,381 Referee: Alex Chilowicz Assistant referees: Eric Weisbrod Chris Elliott Fourth official: Silviu Petrescu |
| October 23 31 | Columbus Crew | 1–2 | New York Red Bulls | Columbus, OH |
| 6:00 PM EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 17,891 Referee: Alan Kelly Assistant referees: Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho Cory Richardson Fourth official: Adam Kilpatrick |
| October 27 32 | Columbus Crew | 3–2 | Orlando City SC | Columbus, OH |
| 7:30 PM EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 16,676 Referee: Joe Dickerson Assistant referees: Andrew Bigelow Diego Blas Fourth official: Matthew Thompson |
| October 30 33 | D.C. United | 1–3 | Columbus Crew | Washington, DC |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report |
|
Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 16,787 Referee: Drew Fischer Assistant referees: Kathryn Nesbitt Brian Poeschel Fourth official: Lukasz Szpala |
| November 7 34 | Columbus Crew | 2–0 | Chicago Fire FC | Columbus, OH |
| 3:30 PM EST | Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 19,351 Referee: Timothy Ford Assistant referees: Adam Garner Matt Nelson Fourth official: Chris Ruska |
MLS Cup Playoffs
The Columbus Crew failed to qualify for the playoffs in this season.
CONCACAF Champions League
Round of 16
| April 8 Leg 1 | Real Estelí  | 0–4 | Columbus Crew SC | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| 8:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Estadio Independencia Referee: Selvin Brown (Honduras) Assistant referees: Cristian Ramírez (Honduras) Keyzel Corrales (Honduras) Fourth official: Nelson Salgado (Honduras) |
| April 15 Leg 2 | Columbus Crew SC | 1–0 (5–0 agg.) | Real Estelí | Columbus, OH |
| 8:00 PM EDT |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Historic Crew Stadium Referee: Keylor Herrera Villalobos (Costa Rica) Assistant referees: Juan Mora (Costa Rica) Victor Ramírez (Costa Rica) Fourth official: Ricardo Montero (Costa Rica) |
Quarterfinals
| April 28 Leg 1 | Columbus Crew SC | 2–2 |  C.F. Monterrey | Columbus, OH |
| 8:30 PM EDT |
|
Report | Stadium: Historic Crew Stadium Referee: Juan Gabriel Calderón (Costa Rica) Assistant referees: Andres Arrieta (Costa Rica) Gerson Lopez (Guatemala) Fourth official: Bryan López (Guatemala) |
| May 5 Leg 2 | C.F. Monterrey | 3–0 (5–2 agg.) | Columbus Crew SC | Monterrey, Mexico |
| 8:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Estadio BBVA Referee: Daneon Parchment (Jamaica) Assistant referees: Ojay Duhaney (Jamaica) Damion Williams (Jamaica) Fourth official: Oshane Nation (Jamaica) |
Campeones Cup
| September 29 Final | Columbus Crew | 2–0 | Cruz Azul | Columbus, OH |
| 8:00 EDT | Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 18,026 Referee: Oshane Nation (Jamaica) Assistant referees: Ojay Duhaney (Jamaica) Irrots Appleton (Antigua and Barbuda) Fourth official: Reon Radix (Grenada) |
U.S. Open Cup
On July 20, US Soccer announced that the tournament would be cancelled for 2021 and would resume in 2022.[8]
Statistics
Appearances and goals
Under "Apps" for each section, the first number represents the number of starts, and the second number represents appearances as a substitute.
| No. | Pos | Nat | Player | Total | MLS | CONCACAF Champions League | Campeones Cup | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
| 1 | GK |  CUW |
Eloy Room | 34 | 0 | 30+0 | 0 | 4+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 2 | MF | USA |
Perry Kitchen | 7 | 0 | 3+2 | 0 | 1+1 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 3 | DF | USA |
Josh Williams | 23 | 0 | 14+4 | 0 | 3+1 | 0 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 4 | DF |  GHA |
Jonathan Mensah | 32 | 4 | 28+1 | 2 | 2+0 | 1 | 1+0 | 1 |
| 5 | DF |  NED |
Vito Wormgoor | 17 | 0 | 16+1 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 6 | MF | USA |
Darlington Nagbe | 37 | 2 | 33+0 | 2 | 3+0 | 0 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 7 | MF | POR |
Pedro Santos | 37 | 5 | 30+2 | 4 | 3+1 | 1 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 8 | MF |  BRA |
Artur | 10 | 0 | 5+1 | 0 | 3+1 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 9 | FW |  TRI |
Kevin Molino | 11 | 1 | 7+4 | 1 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 10 | MF |  ARM |
Lucas Zelarayán | 36 | 13 | 28+4 | 12 | 2+1 | 1 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 11 | FW | USA |
Gyasi Zardes | 24 | 11 | 18+3 | 9 | 3+0 | 2 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 12 | MF |  CRC |
Luis Díaz | 24 | 1 | 11+8 | 1 | 4+0 | 0 | 0+1 | 0 |
| 13 | GK | USA |
Eric Dick | 0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 14 | DF | CRC |
Waylon Francis | 27 | 0 | 14+9 | 0 | 2+2 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 16 | MF | USA |
Isaiah Parente | 9 | 0 | 2+4 | 0 | 1+2 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 17 | DF | USA |
Marlon Hairston | 22 | 0 | 16+5 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+1 | 0 |
| 18 | MF | USA |
Sebastian Berhalter | 0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 18 | MF | CAN |
Liam Fraser | 24 | 0 | 11+12 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 19 | DF |  ARG |
Milton Valenzuela | 18 | 1 | 12+2 | 0 | 2+1 | 1 | 0+1 | 0 |
| 20 | MF |  ROU |
Alexandru Mățan | 30 | 0 | 9+19 | 0 | 0+2 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 21 | MF | USA |
Aidan Morris | 2 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 2+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 22 | MF |  HAI |
Derrick Etienne Jr. | 32 | 1 | 21+8 | 1 | 2+0 | 0 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 23 | DF | USA |
Grant Lillard | 1 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+1 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 24 | GK | USA |
Evan Bush | 5 | 0 | 4+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 25 | DF | GHA |
Harrison Afful | 30 | 0 | 21+5 | 0 | 3+0 | 0 | 0+1 | 0 |
| 26 | DF | USA |
Saad Abdul-Salaam | 19 | 0 | 7+11 | 0 | 0+1 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 27 | FW |  ESP |
Miguel Berry | 21 | 8 | 9+9 | 8 | 1+1 | 0 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 30 | DF | USA |
Aboubacar Keita | 19 | 0 | 10+6 | 0 | 2+0 | 0 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 31 | DF |  CPV |
Steven Moreira | 8 | 0 | 6+1 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 1+0 | 0 |
| 33 | FW | USA |
Erik Hurtado | 9 | 0 | 3+6 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
| 99 | FW |  ENG |
Bradley Wright-Phillips | 26 | 2 | 6+15 | 1 | 1+3 | 1 | 0+1 | 0 |
 |
Own goal | 0 | 6 | - | 5 | - | 0 | - | 1 | ||
| Players who left Columbus during the season: | |||||||||||
| 28 | GK | USA |
Matt Lampson | 0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 | 0+0 | 0 |
Disciplinary record
Clean sheets
| No. | Name | MLS | CONCACAF Champions League | Campeones Cup | Total | Games Played | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eloy Room |
7 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 34 | ||
| 13 | Eric Dick |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 24 | Evan Bush |
1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | ||
| Players who left Columbus during the season: | ||||||||
| 28 | Matt Lampson |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Transfers
In
| Pos. | Player | Transferred from | Fee/notes | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DF | Waylon Francis |
Columbus Crew SC |
Signed as a free agent | January 6, 2021 | [9] |
| MF | Kevin Molino |
Minnesota United FC |
Signed as a free agent | January 7, 2021 | [10] |
| GK | Eric Dick |
Sporting Kansas City |
Selected in Stage 2 of the 2020 MLS Re-Entry Draft | January 8, 2021 | [11] |
| MF | Isaiah Parente |
Wake Forest |
Signed to Homegrown Player deal. | January 11, 2021 | [12] |
| MF | Perry Kitchen |
LA Galaxy |
Signed as a free agent | January 28, 2021 | [13] |
| MF | Marlon Hairston |
Minnesota United FC |
Signed as a free agent | March 3, 2021 | [14] |
| MF | Alexandru Mățan |
Viitorul Constanţa |
Transfer, $1,800,000 transfer fee. Acquired under the MLS U-22 initiative. | March 8, 2021 | [15] |
| DF | Saad Abdul-Salaam |
FC Cincinnati |
Picked up off waivers | April 17, 2021 | [16] |
| FW | Erik Hurtado |
CF Montreal |
Traded for $200,000 in 2021 general allocation money | July 8, 2021 | [17] |
| DF | Steven Moreira |
Toulouse FC |
Signed as a free agent | August 23, 2021 | [18] |
| GK | Eloy Room |
Columbus Crew |
Signed a new contract | December 3, 2021 | [19] |
| MF | Pedro Santos |
Columbus Crew |
Signed a new contract | December 8, 2021 | [20] |
Loan in
| Pos. | Player | Parent club | Length/Notes | Beginning | End | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MF | Liam Fraser |
Toronto FC |
Sent $50,000 in 2021 general allocation money | May 3, 2021 | December 11, 2021 | [21] |
Out
| Pos. | Player | Transferred to | Fee/notes | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Jon Kempin |
D.C. United |
Traded for third-round draft pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft | January 8, 2021 | [22] |
| MF | Chris Cadden |
Hibernian F.C. |
Transfer, Columbus retains a percentage of any future Transfer fee Hibernian receives | January 15, 2021 | [23] |
| GK | Matt Lampson |
Hartford Athletic |
Placed on waivers | August 25, 2021 | [24] |
| GK | Eloy Room |
Columbus Crew |
Contract expired | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| MF | Pedro Santos |
Columbus Crew |
Contract expired | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| DF | Milton Valenzuela |
 FC Lugano |
Contract expired | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| GK | Evan Bush |
Columbus Crew |
Contract expired | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| DF | Harrison Afful |
Charlotte FC |
Contract expired | December 1, 2021 | [25][26] |
| DF | Grant Lillard |
Loudoun United |
Contract expired | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| GK | Eric Dick |
Minnesota United FC |
Option declined | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| DF | Waylon Francis |
CS Herediano |
Option declined | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| DF | Saad Abdul-Salaam |
San Antonio FC |
Option declined | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| DF | Vito Wormgoor |
 IK Start |
Option declined | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| FW | Erik Hurtado |
Columbus Crew |
Option declined | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
| FW | Bradley Wright-Phillips |
Retired | Option declined | December 1, 2021 | [25] |
Loans out
| Pos. | Player | Loanee club | Length/Notes | Beginning | End | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MF | Sebastian Berhalter |
Austin FC |
Acquired $50,000 in 2021 general allocation money. The Crew will receive $50,000 in allocation money if Berhalter meets certain performance conditions in 2021. Austin FC retains the option to trade for the rights on a permanent basis. | March 3, 2021 | November 7, 2021 | [27] |
| FW | Miguel Berry |
San Diego Loyal SC |
Columbus retains the right to terminate the loan at any time. | May 28, 2021 | June 29, 2021 | [28] |
| GK | Eric Dick |
Indy Eleven |
Columbus retains the right to terminate the loan at any time. | June 24, 2021 | August 22, 2021 | [29] |
MLS Draft picks
Draft picks are not automatically signed to the team roster. Only those who are signed to a contract will be listed as transfers in. The picks for Columbus Crew are listed below:
| 2021 Columbus Crew SuperDraft Picks[30] | ||||||
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 |  Justin Malou |
DF | San Diego | ||
| 2 | 52 | Joshua Jackson-Ketchup |
DF | Ohio State | ||
| 2021 Columbus Crew Re-Entry Draft Picks[31] | ||||||
| Stage | Round | Pick | Player | Position | Team | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 4 | Brady Scott |
GK | Austin FC | |
Awards
| Week | Starters | Bench | Opponent(s) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Lucas Zelarayán |
D.C. United |
[32] | |
| 6 | Lucas Zelarayán |
New York City FC |
[33] | |
| 7 | Pedro Santos |
Toronto FC |
[34] | |
| 8 | Gyasi Zardes |
Pedro Santos |
Chicago Fire FC |
[35] |
| 11 | Gyasi Zardes |
New England Revolution |
[36] | |
| 12 | Lucas Zelarayán |
FC Cincinnati |
[37] | |
| 13 | Darlington Nagbe |
Eloy Room |
New York City FC |
[38] |
| 15 | Jonathan Mensah |
Eloy Room |
Atlanta United FC |
[39] |
| 22 | Lucas Zelarayán |
Miguel Berry |
FC Cincinnati |
[40] |
| 25 | Jonathan Mensah |
Inter Miami CF New York Red Bulls |
[41] | |
| 26 | Eloy Room |
New England Revolution |
[42] | |
| 27 | Gyasi Zardes |
CF Montréal |
[43] | |
| 30 | Pedro Santos Gyasi Zardes |
Inter Miami CF |
[44] | |
| 33 | Lucas Zelarayán |
New York Red Bulls Orlando City SC |
[45] | |
| 34 | Lucas Zelarayán |
D.C. United |
[46] | |
| 35 | Steven Moreira |
Chicago Fire FC |
[47] |
MLS Player of the Week
|
MLS Goal of the Week
|
2021 MLS All-Star Game
|
Postseason |
Crew Team Awards
|
Kits
          Home
|
    Away
|
| Type | Shirt | Shorts | Socks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | White | Gold | Gold |
| Away | Black | Black | Black |