USMNT Players Share Connections, Excitement to Play in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The city of Columbus has strong ties to U.S. Soccer. The USMNT visited the Ohio capital for the first time nearly 25 years ago, and over time, Columbus has become a special place for the program, serving as the setting for significant history and consistent success. The USMNT boasts a 71.4 percent win rate in Columbus, which is tied with St. Louis for the all-time highest. Columbus has also played host to some memorable matches, including the USA's 2002 World Cup Qualifying win against Mexico – the first of four consecutive “Dos a Cero” qualifying victories against El Trí from 2001 to 2013.

Several players on the USMNT roster also have personal connections to Columbus. Fullback Max Arfsten was one of two players selected to the roster from the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer. Arfsten signed a multi-year contract extension with Columbus last year and represented the Black & Gold in July’s MLS All-Star Game.

“It’s super exciting,” Arfsten said. “I love playing here in Columbus with our fans. To be able to play with the U.S., and hopefully garner that same support, it’s going to be great.”

Arfsten helped the Crew win the 2023 MLS Cup, and on Tuesday he'll have the chance to represent the USMNT at the same venue as that championship match at Lower.com Field. The 24-year-old is also embracing the role as ambassador for the city, hyping his U.S. teammates and telling them more about what it’s like to play there.

“For the most part, they’re excited about our facilities and the fan base we have here,” Arfsten said.

For midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, Columbus played a huge part in his professional development. He now plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in MLS, but the midfielder spent several years in the academy for Columbus Crew. Berhalter began with the U-13 team and progressed through the pathway. He helped the academy earn a third-place finish in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-19 Tournament for the 2017-2018 season. From 2014-2019, he recorded a total of 103 appearances and 11 goals.

“It means everything, honestly,” Berhalter said of returning to Columbus. “I've been here for six years growing up and pretty much call this home. I'm super excited that I have an opportunity to play here.”

Even Chris Richards, who was born in Alabama and now plays club soccer overseas for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, has a personal connection to the city. The center back told reporters on Monday that his mom’s family hails from Columbus. 

“It’s always a little bit extra when I come to play in Columbus,” he said.

And the ties extend to several other players in September camp. At this stage four years ago, Lower.com Field was the site of two World Cup Qualifying matches for the United States – the only venue to host twice in the 2022 cycle. On Oct. 13, 2021, the United States defeated Costa Rica 2-1 behind two incredible goals from players who could also make an appearance on Tuesday. Fullback Sergiño Dest equalized the match with a banger in the 25th minute, and forward Tim Weah forced an own goal to win it for the U.S. Three months later on Jan. 27, 2022, the United States earned a gutsy 1-0 win over El Salvador, breaking a scoreless deadlock with a second-half game-winner.

Those wins at Lower.com Field were vital for the United States securing qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Both happened in front of sellout crowds of at least 20,000 and combined to bring the program's win total in Columbus to 10 all-time and nine in World Cup Qualifying.

The team hopes the copious connections to Columbus translate to a result on the pitch. This time around, the USMNT is looking to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to Korea Republic on Saturday night in the opening match of the September window. Their opponent at Lower.com Field on Tuesday is FIFA’s No. 17 Japan. With an affection for Columbus, and a solid second-half performance against Korea to build from, the anticipation is growing for the next kickoff.

“I’m really excited for tomorrow night,” Richards said. “It’s another chance to wear the crest, to hopefully win another game and get momentum going toward the World Cup.”