Nicole: Malte Amundsen just scored his first career multi-goal game in MLS against Toronto, but is he ready to be your everyday starter? And after that heartbreaking Open Cup final loss to St. Louis, where does Rudy Camacho stand in the defensive pecking order? We’re diving deep into the Columbus Crew roster battles right now.
Kevin: It’s a fascinating time for the Crew. You’ve got young talent breaking through, but also some glaring questions about depth and consistency, especially in midfield. We’re looking at who stays, who goes, and who needs to step up before next season.
Nicole: Welcome to Beatline Podcast Network, I’m Nicole, and this is the daily Columbus Crew show. Joining me as always is our analyst Kevin. Kevin, thanks for being here.
Kevin: Happy to be here, Nicole. It’s been a wild ride for the Crew this year, finishing 17th in MLS with a 12-5-15 record. A lot to unpack.
Nicole: That’s right. Today, we’re doing something different. No just recapping the last game—though we will touch on that 3-2 loss to Portland—but we’re looking at the roster itself. Who are the key battles shaping the future of this team? Here’s what we’re covering: First, Malte Amundsen’s emergence and whether he’s the answer up top. Second, the defensive line after that Open Cup final heartbreak. And third, predicting who makes the final cut for next season. Let’s get into it.
Nicole: So, let’s start with the biggest positive story of the week: Malte Amundsen. He scored two goals against Toronto FC in that 4-1 win. His first multi-goal game in MLS. Gonzalo Tapia and Brooks Lennon also chipped in. But how does this performance impact his standing for next season?
Kevin: It’s significant, Nicole. Two goals, including what sounds like a clinical finish if it was his first multi-goal game. That shows composure. But one game doesn’t make a starter. We need to look at his overall profile. Is he a poacher or can he hold the ball? Against Toronto, he had space. In tighter games, can he create for himself?
Nicole: Right. And remember, earlier in the season, there were doubts about his consistency. But then you look at the recent form—the five wins in six games leading up to this stretch. The offense has been clicking. Does Amundsen’s burst of form change the front office’s calculus?
Kevin: It definitely adds leverage. If he’s scoring, they’ll want to keep him. But the question is: is he the *only* option? Or do they need another forward to share the load? The Crew struggled to score consistently against teams like Orlando and Portland. Amundsen’s goal burst is great, but it wasn’t enough in those losses.
Nicole: Exactly. In the Orlando loss, Iván Angulo scored in the 89th minute to seal it 3-2. Antoine Griezmann added a goal and assist for Orlando. Maxime Crépeau made 12 saves. That’s a defensive collapse, not just an offensive failure. So, while Amundsen is trending up, the attack still needs more than just him.
Kevin: Agreed. And look at the Portland game. Wessam Abou Ali had three total shots for Columbus. That’s decent volume, but did he convert? Felipe Mora had three shots for Portland too, and they won 3-2. It’s about efficiency. Amundsen’s two goals against Toronto suggest he’s finding that efficiency right now. But can he sustain it over a full season?
Nicole: That’s the million-dollar question. If he scores 15 goals next year, he’s a lock. If he fades, they need a veteran presence. What’s your read on the front office’s perspective? Are they betting on youth, or do they need experience?
Kevin: I think they’re betting on both. They’ll likely retain Amundsen given his recent output, but they’ll also look for a complementary forward. Someone who can play off him. The midfield creativity issue we talked about yesterday affects this too—if the midfield can’t feed him, his numbers drop. So it’s interconnected.
Nicole: Makes sense. So, Amundsen is trending up, but he’s not a solo act. The attack needs structure. Let’s move to the other side of the ball. The defense. Specifically, Rudy Camacho. He had 74 accurate passes in the Portland game. That’s huge for a center-back. How does that fit into the bigger picture?
Kevin: Camacho is the anchor, Nicole. 74 accurate passes shows he’s comfortable in build-up play. He’s not just clearing lines; he’s starting attacks. In a team that struggles with possession, having a defender who can retain the ball is invaluable. Especially against high-pressing teams like Portland.
Nicole: And compare that to Patrick Schulte, the goalkeeper, who had three saves in that same game. Not a ton to save, but he kept it close. The defense gave up two goals, though. Cole Bassett had 68 accurate passes for Portland. They controlled the tempo. Did Camacho feel isolated out there?
Kevin: Probably. When the midfield isn’t providing cover, center-backs have to step up. Camacho’s passing stats suggest he’s trying to do just that—create from the back. But if the defensive line is high, he’s exposed. That’s why we’ve seen these high-scoring losses. The press isn’t working, so they’re left 1-on-1.
Nicole: Right. And remember, in the Open Cup final, St. Louis GK Roman Bürki was stretchered off after a collision. That’s a tough reminder of how physical these games get. Columbus lost on penalties. Camacho had to take one, presumably. How did he handle the pressure?
Kevin: We don’t have specific penalty stats for Camacho in that final, but generally, experienced defenders like him are reliable from the spot. The issue wasn’t his kicking; it was the system around him. The Crew couldn’t break down St. Louis in open play, which led to the shootout. Camacho did his job, but the team didn’t.
Nicole: So, Camacho is solid, but he needs better support. Let’s talk about that support. We’ve mentioned the midfield void multiple times. Taha Habroune scored a goal for the third consecutive game against Cincinnati. That’s good form. But Gonzalo Tapia had a goal and an assist in that 2-0 win. Is the midfield improving?
Kevin: Habroune and Tapia are having moments. Tapia’s involvement in both goals against Cincinnati shows he’s becoming a key creator. But again, one game doesn’t fix the structural issues. The Crew finished 17th. That means they struggled against most teams. Habroune’s streak is nice, but is it sustainable? Can he create chances for others consistently?
Nicole: That’s the nuance. Individual brilliance vs. team stability. The Crew beat Cincinnati 2-0, closing the gap on the ninth playoff spot. They were in contention! But then they lost to Orlando and Portland. That volatility is the problem. Who among these midfielders is the constant?
Kevin: Tapia seems to be emerging as that constant. His goal and assist against Cincinnati, plus his work rate, make him valuable. But they need a creative midfielder who can dictate tempo. We said this yesterday—they need an acquisition. Tapia is good, but maybe not the primary playmaker they need for a playoff push.
Nicole: Okay, so we have Amundsen rising, Camacho anchoring, and Tapia stepping up. But the midfield still feels thin. Let’s move to Segment 2. We’ve got two more battles to discuss. One is the goalkeeper situation. Patrick Schulte vs. the backup. Who starts next year?
Kevin: Schulte had three saves against Portland. Not a lot of action, but he kept it clean until the late goals. The question is: is he ready for a full season? Goalkeepers thrive on confidence. If he gives up soft goals, he loses his place. The Crew need a goalie who can organize the defense, not just react.
Nicole: And remember, in the Open Cup final, they went to penalties. That’s a nightmare scenario. Did Schulte look shaky? We don’t have detailed penalty stats, but losing a final on spots is demoralizing. Does that affect his mental state going into next season?
Kevin: It could. But professionals rise above that. The real test is regular-season consistency. If Schulte keeps clean sheets against lower-tier teams, he stays. If he leaks goals against top teams, they’ll look elsewhere. It’s a performance-based battle.
Nicole: Fair point. Now, the second battle: Brooks Lennon. He scored against Toronto. He’s a winger, right? How does he fit into the wide areas? The Crew often struggle to provide width, relying too much on central play.
Kevin: Lennon is tricky. He’s energetic, but his delivery needs work. Scoring against Toronto is great, but can he cross effectively? Can he beat his man one-on-one? The Crew need wingers who can stretch defenses. If Lennon stays narrow, he clogs the middle. That’s why the midfield looks crowded sometimes.
Nicole: So, Lennon is a rotational player unless he improves his crossing. That puts him in the ‘prove-it’ category. Meanwhile, Amundsen is proving he belongs. This creates a hierarchy. Who else is on the bubble? What about players who haven’t shown up much?
Kevin: Look at the deeper squad. Players who didn’t feature much in the last few games. If they don’t train well, they’re gone. The Crew can’t afford luxury players anymore. Every spot must earn its keep. That’s the culture shift needed.
Nicole: Culture shift. I love that. It’s not just about talent; it’s about mindset. After that Open Cup final loss, the team needs to regroup. Who steps up in training? Who shows leadership? That’s the invisible battle happening right now.
Kevin: Exactly. Leadership matters. Camacho provides that. Tapia is showing it. But they need more voices in the locker room. Young players like Amundsen need guidance. If the veterans leave, who fills that void?
Nicole: So, we’re looking at retention of leaders, development of youth, and acquisition of creativity. It’s a complex puzzle. Let’s move to Segment 3. Predictions. Who makes the final cut? Who’s trending down?
Kevin: I predict Amundsen makes the starting XI by March. His form is too good to ignore. But he won’t start every week. He’ll rotate with a veteran striker. That’s the smart move. Manage his minutes, keep him fresh.
Nicole: I agree. Amundsen is locked in. Now, who’s trending down? I’d say any winger who can’t deliver crosses. If Lennon doesn’t improve, he’s out. The Crew need width. Without it, they’re predictable.
Kevin: Right. And the goalkeeper? If Schulte slips, they bring in a proven number one. The Open Cup final loss might haunt them if they repeat that mistake. They need reliability.
Nicole: So, Schulte is on thin ice. But if he bounces back, he stays. It’s all about the preseason. Who performs in friendlies? That sets the tone for the season.
Kevin: Precisely. And the midfield? We still believe they need a creative midfielder. If they don’t sign one, their ceiling is low. They’ll fight for mid-table, not playoffs.
Nicole: That brings us back to our prediction from the other day: the Crew will miss the playoffs. Unless something drastic happens in the offseason, that stands. But the roster battles we discussed today will define their identity moving forward.
Nicole: So, to recap: Amundsen is rising, Camacho is solid, but the midfield needs help. And the front office has some tough decisions to make. Before we go, we need your help. Keeping this show free and daily takes real effort, and a small group of supporters makes it possible. If you enjoy our deep dives, please chip in via the link in the episode description—it truly keeps the Beatline alive.
Kevin: Thanks for listening, everyone. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with a fellow Crew fan. Let’s keep the conversation going. Go Crew!
Nicole: Go Crew! I’m Nicole, signing off with Kevin. See you tomorrow for more Beatline.