Columbus Crew was one of the most successful clubs in the MLS in the 2020s. However, the Crew weren’t always as well respected as they are now.
Even after winning their first title in 2008, most in the league and its fans viewed it as a one-off.
After two disappointing seasons after their 2020 championship, a change was made at the manager position that changed the path of the Crew going forward.
This change ushered in a championship window that seems to be open no matter who is on the field for the Crew due to the tactical genius of their head man.
What Led Up to Nancy Getting Hired
Wilfried Nancy was a man of one club and one club only, leading up to his time with the Crew.
In 2011, he started as a youth coach with the CF Montreal Academy until 2016, when he was promoted to assistant manager.
After three seasons as an assistant, he was hired as the head coach for the 2021 season.
The team finished in 18th place for the second year in a row. Nancy’s second year was the one that proved he belonged as a manager in the MLS. CF Montreal achieved their highest ever result in the standings thanks to Nancy and his tactics.
After that year, Nancy was offered to be the new head coach of the Columbus Crew, ushering in a new era of success for the Crew.
Early Success With the Crew
Nancy’s hire with the Crew paid off in a way that could not have been predicted. In his first year, the team finished in the middle of the pack; the second season displayed Nancy’s coaching ability.
The Crew won the MLS Cup against LAFC in a performance that showed off his dominance and tactical prowess that we saw in Montreal.
This put the Crew in a class with some of the very best in the MLS, with three titles in the club’s history. Though this accomplishment is great, it isn’t the only cup he has won as he is in the midst of his fourth season in Columbus.
In year three, the Crew failed to defend their MLS Cup as they were eliminated in the playoffs.
Despite the disappointing end of the season, the Crew were victorious in the League Cup against LAFC once again.
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Tactical Prowess That Has Separated Nancy From the Rest
In most American sports, it can take a year or two until a coach’s message can impact a team and reflect in the win and loss column.
In soccer, that is not the case as coaches are expected to make a positive impact almost immediately.
Nancy may not have won a cup in his first year, but he did give the club a reason to be patient due to his success in Montreal.
Nancy runs a 3-4-3, which consists of three center backs that work together and give up little to no chances.
They can move the ball out slowly from the back and work with the middle fielders for a scoring chance in the middle, or they can flank the opposition with the wings like they did against LAFC in the MLS Cup.
Nancy relies on having strong-minded defenders who carry the team along. Even when losing their top scorer like they did before the season started, they give themselves a chance with a strong back line that can push the ball forward.
Continued Success Without Cucho Hernandez
Columbus lost the 2023 MLS Cup MVP in Cucho Hernandez to Real Betis after a successful three-year stint.
This deal had many view the Crew as sellers and not real contenders for this season. It became a surprise when this club elevated itself back up to the top of the standings.
This move has appeared to work out on the financial side as well for the club. They sold Hernandez for 16m and gained around 3.5 million in extra gate revenue when they took on Inter Miami Miami in Cleveland on Easter Weekend.
They continued to be smart with their money with their big mid-season transfer a few weeks ago.
They made a smart move on and off the pitch for Philadelphia Union star Daniel Gazdag in a move that shocked supporters of both clubs. This move only cost 4.5 million dollars while adding major talent to this team.
Nancy’s Crew is ready for another run at the Cup this season, It doesn’t matter who dons the crest as long as his team is bought into his strategy, which hasn’t failed the manager yet.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Agencia-MexSport
Recording Date: 02.05.2024