The Columbus Crew returned to winning ways on Saturday night with a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes at Lower.com Field, extending their unbeaten run at home in front of a lively crowd of 20,737. Goals from Sean Zawadzki and Max Arfsten proved enough to secure all three points for the Black & Gold, who controlled much of the match despite a first-half equalizer from San Jose’s Josef Martínez.
The Crew dominated early in the match, finding success through their wide play and quick passing combinations. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when defender Sean Zawadzki, joining the attack on a corner routine, pounced on a loose ball at the top of the box and rifled a low shot through traffic and into the back of the net. It was a confident finish from the Crew’s versatile center back, giving Columbus a deserved 1-0 lead.
San Jose, however, found a response just 12 minutes later. After a spell of increased pressure, Cristian Espinoza cut inside and lifted a curling cross toward the far post. Crew keeper Patrick Schulte hesitated as the ball sailed over the defense, allowing Josef Martínez to rise highest and nod home the equalizer in the 40th minute. It was a frustrating moment for Columbus, who had largely kept the Earthquakes at bay throughout the first half.
Despite the setback, Wilfried Nancy’s side came out energized after the break. The Crew’s pressing game began to wear down San Jose’s midfield, and the introduction of AZ Jackson in the 54th minute added fresh attacking impetus. Just eight minutes later, the Black & Gold reclaimed the lead.
Max Arfsten, who had been active down the flank all evening, took matters into his own hands in the 62nd minute. Collecting a pass from Diego Rossi near the edge of the box, Arfsten shifted inside and uncorked a left-footed shot that curled around Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel and into the bottom corner. The strike was Arfsten’s second goal of the season and a deserved reward for his dynamic performance.
San Jose struggled to mount a meaningful response in the final half-hour. Substitutions from head coach Luchi Gonzalez—including the introductions of DeJuan Jones, Niko Tsakiris, and Mark-Anthony Kaye—provided fresh legs. Still, the Earthquakes failed to create a clear-cut chance as the Crew’s back line, led by Steven Moreira and Malte Amundsen, stood firm.
With the win, the Crew improves its home record and continues to climb the Eastern Conference table. The result also marks a third straight match in which Columbus held more than 60% possession, a product of the control and composure instilled by Nancy’s system.
Columbus will now turn their focus to next weekend’s clash against Nashville SC, while San Jose, still searching for consistency, heads home to face off with Austin FC.
View the Full Match Gallery From Tim McCarty/TVCommando Media/ISNSoccer.com
Match Details
Competition: Major League Soccer
Date: April 26, 2025
Venue: Lower.com Field, Columbus, OH
Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM ET
Goals
28′ – Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew)
40′ – Josef Martínez (San Jose Earthquakes)
62′ – Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
Starting Lineups
Columbus Crew: Patrick Schulte, Sean Zawadzki, Malte Amundsen, Steven Moreira, Darlington Nagbe, Dylan Chambost, Max Arfsten, Mohamed Farsi, Jacen Russell-Rowe (54′ – AZ Jackson), Dániel Gazdag, Diego Rossi
San Jose Earthquakes: Daniel, Daniel Munie, Dave Romney, Max Floriani, Ian Harkes (75′ – Niko Tsakiris), Beau Leroux (75′ – Mark-Anthony Kaye), Vítor Costa (65′ – DeJuan Jones), Cristian Espinoza, Josef Martínez (45′ – Preston Judd), Cristian Arango, Amahl Pellegrino (65′ – Ousseni Bouda)
