Match Summary
Columbus Crew defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by I. Aliyu 2′, J. Ngando 6′, D. Rossi 23′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Columbus Crew had 61% possession while Vancouver Whitecaps held 39%. Columbus Crew had 8 shots (5 on target) compared to 10 (3 on target) for Vancouver Whitecaps. Expected goals: Columbus Crew 1.22 — Vancouver Whitecaps 0.75. Columbus Crew made 5 substitutions, Vancouver Whitecaps made 4. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Aziel Jackson 59′).
Match Events
Key match events between Columbus Crew and Vancouver Whitecaps — 3 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: D. Gazdag
Match Statistics
Columbus Crew had 61% possession against Vancouver Whitecaps's 39%. Columbus Crew registered 8 shots (5 on target) while Vancouver Whitecaps managed 10 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 4–1. Fouls committed: 13–12.
Lineups
Columbus Crew lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Wilfried Nancy, while Vancouver Whitecaps deployed a 5-4-1 under Jesper Ingemann Sørensen.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Columbus Crew is 6.91, compared to 7.04 for Vancouver Whitecaps. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Columbus Crew's highest-rated starter is S. Zawadzki (7.17), while Vancouver Whitecaps's best-rated player is P. Vite (7.39).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Columbus Crew have contributed 10 goals and 9 assists this season, led by D. Gazdag (4G). Vancouver Whitecaps's starters account for 11 goals and 7 assists, spearheaded by P. Vite (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Columbus Crew deploy 3 defenders rated 7.04 on average, against Vancouver Whitecaps's 5-man backline averaging 7.19. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Columbus Crew field 4 midfielders averaging 6.83, versus Vancouver Whitecaps's 4 rated 7.12. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Columbus Crew start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.01, compared to 1 for Vancouver Whitecaps averaging 6.73. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 58% for Columbus Crew and 57% for Vancouver Whitecaps. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Columbus Crew's starters have collected 15 yellow cards this season, compared to 15 for Vancouver Whitecaps. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Columbus Crew's starting XI is 27.9 (youngest: I. Aliyu (23), oldest: D. Nagbe (35)), while Vancouver Whitecaps average 26.3 (youngest: P. Vite (23), oldest: D. Rios (30)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Columbus Crew's starters average 26 league appearances each, versus 27 for Vancouver Whitecaps. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Columbus Crew have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Vancouver Whitecaps show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Columbus Crew
Vancouver Whitecaps
API data: 15 Mar 2026