Diego Rossi, a key player for Columbus Crew, expressed his strong desire for teammate and captain Darlington Nagbe to remain with the club indefinitely. “We’re gonna push obviously for our team and for our captain,” Rossi stated in a press conference before their crucial match against FC Cincinnati. “He deserves it, so it’s gonna be an extra motivation, I think, for every player.”
The Crew face a challenging scenario this weekend as they prepare for a vital Game 2 in their Round One Best-of-3 Series against their fierce rivals, FC Cincinnati. This match, set to take place at Lower.com Field, is crucial for Columbus after they suffered a 1-0 loss in the opening game. They must not only win on Sunday but also claim victory in a potential Game 3 at TQL Stadium on November 8 to maintain their hopes for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Despite the tough road defeat, head coach Wilfried Nancy remains optimistic about his team’s performance. He highlighted the positive energy among the players, emphasizing, “They didn’t put their heads down.” Nancy has guided the Crew to significant achievements, including the MLS Cup victory in 2023 and a Leagues Cup title in 2024. He noted that the team is prepared and energized for the upcoming challenge, acknowledging the importance of the match.
Nagbe, who plans to retire after the 2025 season, is a seasoned player with a remarkable record of four MLS Cup wins. His leadership and commitment could inspire the team as they seek to advance in the playoffs, underscoring the Crew’s determination to compete at the highest level.
As the Crew gear up for this pivotal match, the motivation is palpable, and the hope of securing a spot in the playoffs brings a sense of urgency to the team. This determination not only highlights the team’s strength but also showcases the camaraderie and respect within the squad as they rally behind their captain.