Max Arfsten: Columbus Crew’s Rising Star

In the dynamic world of Major League Soccer, few talents have shone as brightly in recent times as Max Arfsten of the Columbus Crew. Stepping up in place of Yaw Yeboah, Arfsten has not only filled the void but has also carved out his own niche as a formidable attacking force.

The 23-year old's journey to the Crew began after a standout season with San Jose Earthquakes II in MLS NEXT Pro, where he notched an impressive nine goals and six assists over 24 appearances. This promising start to his professional career caught the eye of Columbus Crew scouts leading to his signing via the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.

Standing at 6’1" and weighing 172 lbs, Arfsten’s physical presence is undeniable. But it’s his technical skills and attacking prowess that have truly made him a standout player. With a keen eye for goal and the ability to navigate through tight defenses, Arfsten has demonstrated time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with.

His recent performances have been nothing short of stellar. He has shown a remarkable ability to make an impact in the attack, scoring three goals and registering one assist through 14 appearances in 2024. Arfsten’s ability to direct his first touch towards goal and advance into threatening positions is a striking contrast to Yaw Yeboah who often opted to slow down the attack and recycle the ball to the back line.

Here are a few angles of his curling shot against New England. Note his turn and latera movement that opens up space for him to get the shot off.

As Arfsten continues to develop and hone his skills, the Columbus Crew and its fans have much to look forward to. With his attacking flair and goal-scoring capabilities, Max Arfsten is undoubtedly a young talent with a bright future ahead in MLS and potentially abroad!