M. Arfsten, Columbus Crew, Midfielder, #27: Career & Impact

You’ve probably seen the name M. Arfsten in Columbus Crew lineups and wondered what the fuss is about. The #27 midfielder has quietly become one of the Crew’s most reliable and creative options, showing a level of skill that’s not just about pure athleticism.

Check out how Max Arfsten climbed from college standout to MLS starter—honestly, it’s the kind of progression every club hopes for.

Arfsten grew up in Fresno and played at UC Davis before the Crew picked him 14th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. He moved from rookie to regular starter almost overnight, and that says a lot about his preparation and ability to adapt.

You can see his confidence on the ball and his knack for making plays, even when things get tense.

With Columbus, Arfsten has already left his mark in big games—postseason and Leagues Cup moments where he really proved his worth. His growth kind of echoes the Crew’s own push for consistency and trophies.

It’s worth looking at how his journey from college soccer to the national stage keeps shaping his impact on the game.

Profile of M. Arfsten

You’re looking at a young American who mixes technical skill with steady progress through college and pro soccer. His background, education, and shifting roles on the field really show how consistent development can build a solid midfielder in Major League Soccer.

Personal Background and Early Life

Maximilian Michael Arfsten was born on April 19, 2001, in Fresno, California. He comes across as a grounded athlete—definitely someone who values progress over flash.

Growing up in Fresno, he went to San Joaquin Memorial High School and started turning heads for his speed and awareness. He played club soccer with California Odyssey, a youth program that’s all about disciplined coaching and technical skills.

That early training gave him a strong foundation in movement and positioning. It made adapting to tougher levels a bit easier down the road.

Arfsten’s family supported his soccer dreams early on, but they also pushed him to balance sports and school. That approach stuck with him in college, where he kept growing as a player and a teammate.

Soccer Development and Education

You can trace Arfsten’s growth back to the University of California, Davis, where he played for the UC Davis Aggies from 2019 to 2021. In the Big West Conference, he played 39 matches, scored nine goals, and tallied eight assists.

He made the Big West Conference All-Freshman Team in his first season, which says a lot about his immediate impact. At UC Davis, he learned to read the game better and sharpened his decision-making.

He also figured out how to play in different attacking roles. After college, Arfsten left early and joined San Jose Earthquakes II in 2022, playing in the MLS Next Pro league.

He scored nine goals in 24 matches, proving he could carry his college form into the pros. That run with Earthquakes II led the Columbus Crew to pick him 14th in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.

Year	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2019–2021	UC Davis Aggies	39	9	8
2022	San Jose Earthquakes II	24	9	—
2023	Columbus Crew	12	2	1

Playing Style and Position

Arfsten usually lines up as a midfielder, wing-back, or left winger—it kind of depends on what the coach wants. His game is built on pace, endurance, and clever movement off the ball.

He likes making direct runs into space. He’s also quick with short passes around the box.

He hustles back to help defend, which makes him valuable in transition. Coaches put him in systems where wide players need to press and recover fast.

His technical control lets him shift from wide attack to central buildup when that’s needed. Arfsten’s versatility is a real asset.

Whether he’s stretching the field as a winger or pushing up from wing-back, he keeps things simple and efficient. You’ll notice he’s good at linking passes and keeping the team’s rhythm, which keeps him in the Crew’s plans.

You can check out more stats and info on his Columbus Crew profile or his Wikipedia page.

Professional Career Path

If you follow Max Arfsten’s path, you see a steady climb from standout college player to professional midfielder in Major League Soccer. His story is one of consistent growth—youth academies, college soccer, and then early pro experience in MLS Next Pro.

Youth and College Soccer

Arfsten started out with California Odyssey, a Fresno-based youth club. His technical ability and work rate got him noticed by college scouts.

At UC Davis, he played for the UC Davis Aggies from 2019 to 2021. He made 39 appearances, scored nine goals, and added eight assists.

He landed on the Big West All-Freshman Team right away, which showed he had promise. You saw a player who mixed speed and discipline in a structured system.

His time in the Big West Conference helped him understand tactics and prepped him for the pace of MLS.

Season	Team	Matches	Goals	Assists
2019–2021	UC Davis Aggies	39	9	8

San Jose Earthquakes II Journey

After leaving college early, Arfsten joined San Jose Earthquakes II for the first-ever MLS Next Pro season in 2022. That move gave him steady playing time against other up-and-coming pros.

He played in 24 matches and scored nine goals, quickly becoming one of the team’s main attacking options. His performance showed a confidence and maturity you don’t always see at that age.

Year	Club	League	Matches	Goals
2022	San Jose Earthquakes II	MLS Next Pro	24	9

That season bridged the gap between college and Major League Soccer. The experience helped him get used to pro-level training and the physical grind, setting him up for his next shot.

San Jose Earthquakes in MLS

Arfsten’s time with the second team paved the way for his selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew. But his stint in the San Jose Earthquakes system also mattered.

He trained with first-team players there and learned what MLS-level competition feels like. Those sessions made him quicker with decisions and smarter off the ball.

That early exposure, plus his success in MLS Next Pro, helped shape the confident midfielder now wearing number 27 for the Columbus Crew.

2023 MLS SuperDraft and Entry Into Major League Soccer

It’s wild how a strong college run can launch a pro career. Maximilian “Max” Arfsten’s jump from UC Davis standout to Major League Soccer rookie is a lesson in timing, preparation, and being able to adapt—things that helped him succeed early with the Columbus Crew.

Draft Selection and Signing

The 2023 MLS SuperDraft was a big moment for Arfsten. On December 21, 2022, Columbus Crew used their first-round, 14th overall pick on him, clearly impressed by his speed and finishing at UC Davis.

At UC Davis, Arfsten played 39 matches, scored nine goals, and had eight assists. His 2021 season stood out—eight goals and seven assists, plus conference honors.

That kind of production made scouts believe he could handle MLS demands. Columbus signed Arfsten on February 21, 2023, locking him in through 2024 with club options for 2025 and 2026.

It’s a contract that shows the Crew believe in his long-term upside.

College Career Summary

Season	Team	Matches	Goals	Assists
2019–2021	UC Davis	39	9	8

Transition to Columbus Crew

Arfsten jumped right into the pro level. In his rookie season with the Columbus Crew, he made 12 appearances (three starts) and chipped in two goals and two assists.

He scored his first MLS goal in a 6–1 win over Atlanta United on March 25, 2023. His first assist came just a week later against Real Salt Lake.

Those quick contributions proved he fit right into Wilfried Nancy’s attacking setup. Arfsten also started U.S. Open Cup matches against Indy Eleven, Loudoun United, and Pittsburgh Riverhounds, grabbing valuable minutes outside league play.

By November, he’d scored his first playoff goal, again against Atlanta United. That steady climb from draft pick to playoff scorer really shows how fast he adapted to the Crew’s style.

Columbus Crew Career Highlights

You’ve probably noticed Max Arfsten’s rise from promising draft pick to steady Crew performer. His time in Black & Gold is proof that consistent play, smart positioning, and a strong work ethic can help a player carve out a long-term role in MLS.

Key Matches and Game Performances

His MLS debut against Atlanta United stands out—he scored in a 6–1 home win and set the tone for his season. That moment showed he belonged in the league.

He later chipped in key assists in matches against Real Salt Lake and Charlotte FC, helping the Crew control the ball and create chances.

In 2025, Arfsten turned in one of his best playoff performances. He notched a goal and two assists in a 4–0 win over FC Cincinnati, keeping the Crew alive in the series.

His link-up play with Diego Rossi and Sean Zawadzki was sharp, and you could see his understanding with goalkeeper Patrick Schulte during transitions.

Arfsten also played in Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup games, including a clutch penalty versus Tigres UANL that sent the Crew to the semifinals.

These moments show he can handle pressure and help the team at both ends of the field.

Notable Contributions and Statistics

Arfsten’s numbers have shown steady growth since he joined the Crew. In his first season, he notched three goals and two assists in just 12 appearances.

By his second year, he managed four goals and eight assists over 30 matches, starting in 22 of them. He’s played more minutes and gotten involved in crucial attacking plays as he’s become a regular starter.

Career Statistics (Columbus Crew)

Season	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists	Competitions Included
2023	12	3	3	2	MLS Regular Season
2024	30	22	4	8	MLS, Leagues Cup, Champions Cup
2025	Ongoing	—	—	—	MLS, Playoffs

He’s turned into a pretty versatile midfielder, able to shift between wing-back and central roles depending on what the game demands. His pace and sharp decisions keep making him a reliable choice for the Crew’s 2025 MLS campaign.

Contract Details and Extensions

The Crew recognized Arfsten’s progress and gave him a contract extension through 2027, with a club option for 2028. That deal says a lot about how much the team trusts his long-term value and leadership.

Arfsten, who grew up in Fresno, California, and played for UC Davis, said he feels proud to stick with the club that picked him 14th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. The Crew offered him that new deal after he helped them win the Leagues Cup and make a deep international run.

This extension matches up with the Crew’s push to build around young, homegrown guys. For fans, it means you get to watch a player who’s truly committed to the club’s culture and future.

His steady rise from MLS Next Pro to a regular spot on the first team really shows what can happen when development and opportunity line up in the right place.

MLS Achievements and Honors

If you’ve followed Max Arfsten, you’ve seen him go from a standout at UC Davis to a real contributor for the Columbus Crew. His early years tell a story of steady progress—playoff games, tournament runs, and national attention that point to both skill and reliability.

MLS Cup and Playoff Participation

Arfsten started making an impact right away. In his rookie season, he helped the Crew push through the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.

He scored his first playoff goal against Atlanta United, which felt like a big breakthrough. That same postseason, Columbus captured the MLS Cup, and Arfsten got championship experience early in his career.

During league play, Arfsten made 12 appearances, starting three times, and chipped in two goals and two assists for the Crew, according to his team profile.

His match against Charlotte FC, where he scored and assisted, really highlighted his ability to step up when it matters.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	MLS Cup Result
2023	Columbus Crew	12	2	2	Champions

He’s shown he can deliver in knockout games, which keeps him in the mix for future playoff roles. You’ll probably keep seeing him in those big moments as he matures under Wilfried Nancy’s system.

Leagues Cup and International Tournaments

Arfsten’s growth hasn’t stopped at MLS. In the 2024 Leagues Cup, Columbus faced top Liga MX teams like Tigres UANL, giving Arfsten a shot at international opposition.

He brought adaptability and work rate to matches that demanded tactical discipline.

The Crew’s success in that tournament, along with their MLS form, earned them a place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Arfsten picked up valuable experience against clubs from Costa Rica and beyond.

He also got minutes in U.S. Open Cup matches against Indy Eleven and Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Those games showed he could handle a packed schedule and play multiple roles in midfield.

MLS All-Star Selection

Arfsten’s steady climb led to his spot on the 2025 MLS All-Star roster, as confirmed by the Columbus Crew. He joined league standouts like Diego Rossi and Patrick Schulte, which says a lot about the Crew’s player development.

For someone drafted 14th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, that All-Star nod really shows how fast he’s adapted to MLS life.

You can see his fingerprints all over the Crew’s midfield and attack, a quality that’s earned him respect around the league.

During All-Star week, Arfsten faced off with top players from clubs like LAFC, Inter Miami CF, and FC Cincinnati. That gave him a real chance to see how far he’s come.

His inclusion just keeps building his reputation as one of the most promising young midfielders in MLS right now.

National Team Experience

Arfsten’s journey from UC Davis standout to reliable Crew midfielder, and now a regular with the U.S. Men’s National Team, has been pretty interesting. He’s shown steady progress, with multiple call-ups, a strong Gold Cup run, and more attention under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

U.S. Men’s National Team Call-Ups

Arfsten got his first senior call-up in early 2025, joining the USMNT roster for friendlies under Mauricio Pochettino. That came after a stretch of strong MLS play—key goals, assists, and a growing role for Columbus.

Since then, he’s kept earning invitations, including for the September and October training camps and the November FIFA international window. He joined teammates Patrick Schulte and Sean Zawadzki during those stints.

In camp, coaches and teammates have praised Arfsten for his work rate and calmness on the ball. He fits smoothly into Pochettino’s system, which asks for quick transitions and disciplined pressing.

His knack for linking play between the lines has made him a dependable pick in a pretty competitive midfield group.

You can check out his November call-up on the Columbus Crew’s official announcement.

2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Performance

Arfsten really broke out during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He played in all but one match, pitched in on four goals, and showed consistency on both sides of the ball.

He described the tournament as professional but close-knit, saying team chemistry played a big part in their run. According to Arfsten, MLS and European-based players blended together, creating what he called “really good vibes.”

Gold Cup Statistics

Category	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2025 Gold Cup	5	1	3	370

His Gold Cup showing got people talking across MLS and helped cement his reputation as a solid two-way midfielder.

You can read his thoughts on the tournament in this BallGM interview.

International Impact and Recognition

Arfsten’s time with the USMNT has really boosted his profile, both at home and overseas. Pochettino keeps inviting him to camps, which makes it clear he sees Arfsten as part of the national team’s growing core.

He adapts quickly and just keeps getting better, so plenty of MLS players look to him as an example for making the jump to international play. Fans and analysts often mention his calm choices on the field and his sharp tactical sense—those are big strengths.

Off the field, Arfsten gets involved in community events, pushing for unity and inclusivity. That attitude matches the team spirit you see in national camps.

He’s started to shape how younger players think about professionalism and teamwork, which is no small thing. If you want a deeper look at his leadership, check out this BallBB feature.