Columbus Crew search for consistency at early season crossroads

“The not-so-good players, they are good in three sets,” Rydstrom said. “So, we are still there.”

Columbus Crew reacts after losing to Minnesota United FC in the MLS match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

They've had moments of brilliance and moments of darkness. It’s time for the Crew to find their way out of that darkness more consistently because it’s getting late early in their hope to make good memories this season.

“It starts with me, of course, but there will always be circumstances that you need to [ask], ‘OK, can I fix that now or do I fix that later?’” Rydstrom said. “We have talked about box defending. We are good in some parts, but not enough. So, what do we need to do to get better there? Nobody wants to take [losses] but maybe you really need that to get the answers and know what to fix later on.”

The preference, of course, is sooner than later. Perhaps in New Jersey?

That could go a long way toward turning the Crew’s season around, especially if they follow-up with a win May 16 in a road rematch at the Philadelphia Union. Those two plus two more home matches, the first a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal May 20 against New York City FC, is all the Crew have left before the World Cup.

Columbus Crew players celebrate following the 2-1 win over LA Galaxy in the weather-delayed MLS match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus on April 22, 2026.

“It sounds like I’m almost … I’m not a psychopath if you think [losing can help],” Rydstrom said. “Nothing’s positive with it, but in one way, it is also positive because it gives us the possibility to see where we need to fill, which kind of hole we need to fill [on the roster].”

Forging mental toughness is also possible amid strife, and the Crew is getting another opportunity to build some.

“If I’m going to say something we need to develop, it’s the ownership as an individual,” he said. “And we get the opportunity, when we have those kinds of setbacks, to say, ‘OK, there, we need to be stronger.’ There is an opportunity to grow.”

Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew need consistency against New York Red Bulls