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Columbus Crew Fires Rydstrom, Names Courtois Interim, Signs Akhundzade

5/18/2026

30 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Columbus Crew Fires Coach

General manager Issa Tall announced on the club’s website that Columbus Crew dismissed head coach Henrik Rydstrom after a poor start.
Assistant coach Laurent Courtois will serve as interim head coach while the team sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with 13 points from 14 matches.
Columbus Crew signed Azerbaijan midfielder Nariman Akhundzade as part of its long-term development plan, noting his promise as a young player.

Summary

Columbus Crew Resets

Columbus Crew changed coaches just before the MLS international break to reset the club.
Interim coach Laurent Courtois, who won a title with Crew 2, will lead the final 20 league games.
The Crew host New York City FC in the U.S. Open Cup quarter-finals, then travel to Atlanta United for the MLS match before the July 22 break, with GM Issa Tall saying the roster’s talent ensures a smooth transition.

Summary

Crew Hosts NYC

The Crew’s U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal vs New York City FC will air on Paramount+ and Alt 105.7 FM.
The match starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the first of two home games this week.
Columbus will host Atlanta United FC on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. ET at the same field, giving a three-day turnaround.
After the Atlanta game, MLS will pause regular-season play for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Columbus Crew Fires Coach

General manager Issa Tall announced on the club’s website that Columbus Crew dismissed head coach Henrik Rydstrom after a poor start.
Assistant coach Laurent Courtois will serve as interim head coach while the team sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with 13 points from 14 matches.
Columbus Crew signed Azerbaijan midfielder Nariman Akhundzade as part of its long-term development plan, noting his promise as a young player.

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