Wednesday night was an evening that Columbus deserved. In fact, Wilfried Nancy called it a reward.
When the 2024 MLS All-Star Game rolled into the Ohio capital for the first time since 2005, it wasn’t just an occasion to celebrate the league’s best players as they faced Liga MX’s top talent.
No, it was a night – like so many since Nancy joined the Crew last season – to showcase Columbus.
“It was a good experience,” Nancy said of the MLS All Star festivities. “It’s been a good moment for my staff, for me, for the city. This is the reward for what is happening now but also the fact that they nearly moved the club.
“This is amazing to see a few years after there is the All-Star Game. This was a good moment for the club, for the fans and for the city.”
When All Star came to Columbus, it arrived in the American soccer capital, where the league’s best team resides. Fittingly, Lower.com Field, where one of the continent’s top clubs plays, was the setting for the best MLS and Liga MX players.
This is where a club was saved, then went on to win two MLS Cups in four years. This is where the 2021 Campeones Cup winners play, and where the Concacaf Champions Cup finalists perform.
Go figure arguably the league’s top duo of Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi paired up to score MLS’ goal against the Liga MX All Stars.
“It was really good,” Rossi said. “We know each other, how we play, the movements. We did it again in a special game. It was a good play also. Obviously, it’s not the result we wanted, but I think everyone here enjoyed to be with the other players.”
The two South Americans were among five Black & Gold players who made appearances representing the league.
Rossi and Cucho played the entire first half, while Steven Moreira and Rudy Camacho played the full second half. Crew captain Darlington Nagbe entered in the 66th minute, and of course, Nancy and his coaching staff commanded from the touchline.
“To have Crew players in our home also with our fans is really good,” Rossi said. “Everyone here deserved to be here, and that’s the most important thing. To have teammates from your club is really, really nice and it was a good experience for everyone.”
Wednesday night was simply the latest in massive moments for Columbus and for the Crew. Perhaps more arrive against Villa on Saturday.
The Black & Gold players and coaching staff pride themselves on improving every day. Over time, it’s remarkable to see how much everything has been transformed. Soak it up. As Nancy said, it’s a deserved reward.
“It was amazing for the club, for the city and for the fans to play here, especially to play here in the new stadium” Moreira said. “Honestly, it was a great experience.”
Bring your crew
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
