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

You’ve probably watched a lot of young players work their way up through Major League Soccer, but honestly, not many have climbed as steadily as M. Arfsten with the Columbus Crew. He wears number 27, and he’s gone from being a promising midfielder to a guy you can count on—he brings energy, sharp passing, and a knack for reading the game every time he steps on the pitch.

It’s wild to think how a player who once stood out at UC Davis managed to turn a solid college run into a real spot with one of MLS’s most balanced teams.

What makes Arfsten’s story pop is his adaptability and focus. He started out with San Jose Earthquakes II and got picked 14th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. That path really shows what persistence means in pro soccer.

He’s grown into a reliable starter for the Crew, and that’s what happens when preparation and opportunity actually meet on the field.

When you catch Arfsten in midfield, you see a player reading the game like he’s been around longer than he has. He’s chipped in with key goals and assists in league and cup matches, and you can just feel he’s becoming a fixture for the Black & Gold.

His journey—from college standout to Columbus Crew midfielder—keeps shaping both his own career and the team’s success.

Player Profile and Background

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErMXruqx438

If you look at Max Arfsten’s path from Fresno to MLS, you get a sense of steady growth and real commitment. He’s always focused on getting better, from youth soccer up through college and into the pros.

Personal Information

Most fans know Max Arfsten as the left-footed midfielder wearing number 27 for the Columbus Crew. His full name? Maximilian Michael Arfsten.

He was born April 19, 2001, in Fresno, California, United States.

He’s about 6 feet tall and usually plays as a winger or attacking midfielder. Coaches like moving him around the midfield depending on what the team needs.

The Crew picked Arfsten in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft because of his technical ability and his work rate. You can check out his full profile on the Columbus Crew official site.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	Maximilian Michael Arfsten
Birthdate	April 19, 2001
Birthplace	Fresno, California, United States
Height	6 ft (1.83 m)
Position	Midfielder / Winger
Club	Columbus Crew
College	UC Davis Aggies
MLS Debut	March 25, 2023, vs. Atlanta United

Early Life and Fresno Roots

You can trace Arfsten’s roots back to Fresno, a Central California city where soccer keeps growing. His family always valued both school and sports, which gave him a solid start.

Fresno’s youth leagues pushed him to compete against older, quicker players. That helped him toughen up and learn the physical side of the game.

You see those Fresno qualities in his play—steady, calm, and always willing to grind out tough matches. People back home followed his rise closely, and they’re proud to see him in MLS.

His family’s support and the local community’s encouragement helped keep him focused on making it to the next level.

Youth Soccer with California Odyssey

Maybe you’ve heard of California Odyssey, one of the top youth academies around. Arfsten joined them in 2010 and stayed until 2019, working with coaches who cared about technical skill and tactical smarts.

He played in national tournaments there and faced strong competition. The academy’s training helped him sharpen his first touch, movement, and finishing.

At Odyssey, you have to adapt fast, and Arfsten did exactly that. By his late teens, he was one of their top players, often wearing the captain’s armband in big matches.

That set him up for his next step at UC Davis, where the transition to college soccer felt pretty natural.

San Joaquin Memorial High School Experience

You shouldn’t forget how San Joaquin Memorial High School shaped Arfsten’s early years. The private school in Fresno is known for balancing schoolwork and sports, which gave him a good environment.

At Memorial, Arfsten played a few sports before choosing soccer full-time. His coaches liked his consistency and leadership, and he managed to keep up with his classes too.

He led the school team through tough seasons, scoring and assisting when it mattered. College scouts noticed, and that opened the door to the UC Davis Aggies.

By graduation, Arfsten had the maturity and focus that would stick with him through college and into his pro career.

College Soccer and Development

You can see how Max Arfsten’s time in college soccer built his technical foundation and work ethic. His years at the University of California, Davis gave him structure, good competition, and the confidence to aim for the pros.

UC Davis Aggies Career

At UC Davis, Arfsten balanced academics with the grind of NCAA Division I soccer. Playing for the UC Davis Aggies, he played in 39 matches and scored nine goals in two seasons.

He usually played as a left winger or attacking midfielder, using his speed and awareness to stretch defenses. Coaches asked him to press high and create width, which worked well with the Aggies’ possession style.

UC Davis Aggies Career Stats

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Honors
2019–2021	39	9	5	Big West All-Freshman Team

He improved with every match, getting more polished and ready for tougher competition.

Big West Conference Achievements

In the Big West Conference, Arfsten earned a spot on the Big West Conference All-Freshman Team. That showed how quickly he adapted to college soccer.

He played with poise against older, more physical players. Each season, his tactical understanding and off-ball movement got better.

Coaches across the conference respected his discipline and reliability.

He learned to manage travel and academics alongside soccer. Those lessons helped him grow up fast and caught the eye of pro scouts.

Transition to Professional Soccer

When you look at Arfsten’s next move, the jump from college soccer to the pros made sense. UC Davis gave him the technical and mental tools to take that step.

After Davis, he joined San Jose Earthquakes II in MLS NEXT Pro, where he kept developing. That stint helped bridge the gap between college and MLS.

His play caught the attention of the Columbus Crew, who drafted him 14th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. That steady climb—academy, college, MLS NEXT Pro—made him ready for what’s next.

Professional Pathway Before Columbus Crew

Max Arfsten didn’t take shortcuts—he built his career through steady progress. His time in MLS Next Pro, a brief spell with the San Jose Earthquakes, and his 2023 SuperDraft selection all shaped the player you see now in Columbus.

San Jose Earthquakes II in MLS Next Pro

You probably first noticed Arfsten with San Jose Earthquakes II in MLS Next Pro. He joined after college soccer at UC Davis, where he’d already earned All-Big West honors.

With San Jose’s reserve team, he played both winger and forward. That flexibility helped him adjust to the physical and tactical demands of the pro game.

In 2022, he led Earthquakes II in goals and was near the top for assists. Coaches around the league liked his work rate and his pressing.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022	San Jose Earthquakes II	MLS Next Pro	24	8	4

That production got MLS scouts interested and set up his next step.

San Jose Earthquakes Experience

Arfsten got his first taste of top-level soccer with the San Jose Earthquakes first team. He didn’t play regular MLS minutes, but he trained with the senior squad and played in preseason games.

That experience showed him what full-time pro life is all about. Going up against veterans helped him sharpen his positioning and make quicker decisions.

San Jose’s staff liked how calm he stayed under pressure and how willing he was to track back defensively. Those traits later defined his role as a wing-back.

Training with players like Cristian Espinoza and Jeremy Ebobisse also improved his timing in the final third. You can see those lessons in how he moves and keeps his composure on the ball.

2023 MLS SuperDraft Selection

Arfsten’s big moment came during the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, when the Columbus Crew picked him 14th overall. His college and MLS Next Pro showings made him one of the most polished prospects.

The Crew valued his versatility, knowing he could play wide or inside. That made him a good fit for Wilfried Nancy’s tactical approach.

After signing, Arfsten quickly got minutes and contributed goals and assists in his rookie year, as you can see on the Columbus Crew’s official profile.

For fans, that draft pick was the moment promise started turning into real performance. It proved that steady work and patience can actually pay off in MLS.

Columbus Crew Career and Performance

You can follow Max Arfsten’s journey with the Columbus Crew and see how steady growth and sharper decisions have built his chemistry with teammates. Getting consistent minutes and the coaching staff’s trust helped turn him from a role player into a reliable starter for the Black & Gold.

MLS Debut and Early Matches

Arfsten made his MLS debut after the Crew picked him 14th overall in the 2023 SuperDraft out of UC Davis. He joined a team fresh off an MLS Cup win, so breaking into the lineup took patience and grit.

In his rookie season, he appeared in 12 matches and scored two goals, showing flashes of speed and awareness on the left side. Most of his early minutes came off the bench, testing how quickly he could adjust to the league’s speed and physicality.

By 2024, Arfsten started earning a bigger role. He opened as a second-half sub but soon gained confidence and earned starts under manager Wilfried Nancy.

MLSsoccer.com notes that his early performances helped him move from a depth piece to a dependable contributor.

Key Contributions and Statistics

As a Columbus Crew midfielder, Arfsten’s production really took off once he got more playing time. He played in 24 of 27 regular-season matches, started 17, and led Crew midfielders with four goals and eight assists.

He worked hard and found good spots on the field, linking up well between the defense and forwards.

The match against Sporting Kansas City on June 22, 2024, felt like a turning point. Arfsten set up a goal for Cucho Hernández’s hat trick and then started 12 straight games after that.

He built chemistry with Hernández, Diego Rossi, and Christian Ramirez, and his playmaking noticeably improved.

Season	Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2023	12	3	2	1	420
2024	27	17	4	8	1,800

His confidence with the ball really started to show. He adapted easily to different roles, even filling in at wing-back, which gave the Crew more tactical options.

Contract Extension and Club Commitment

The Crew extended Arfsten’s contract because they see him as a big part of their future. He’s developed well under Nancy’s system, which asks for fluid movement and technical skill.

Arfsten’s commitment matches the club’s focus on young, homegrown, and draft-developed players. His steady improvement and professionalism have gotten him noticed, even earning call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National Team, as seen on ColumbusCrew.com.

If you follow the Crew, Arfsten is exactly the kind of player you root for—he grows with each opportunity and takes responsibility on the field. His contract extension really shows both sides believe his best is yet to come in Columbus.

Playing Style and On-Field Role

Max Arfsten’s game is all about direct movement, smart positioning, and juggling both defensive and attacking duties. His time at UC Davis gave him technical discipline, but with the Crew, he’s learned how to balance structure with creativity.

Midfielder and Left Winger Responsibilities

Watch Arfsten in the midfield or on the left wing, and you’ll see how he reads space before the ball even gets to him. He tracks back to help defend, then pushes upfield to stretch play.

His pace and awareness let him find gaps between defenders.

He often stays wide, giving Patrick Schulte passing angles to play out from the back. That width helps the Crew keep possession and control the tempo.

On the attack, he’ll cut inside to link up with Diego Rossi, combining quickly to open up shots.

Key Midfield Metrics (2024 Season)

Category	Value
Appearances	14
Goals	3
Assists	1
Pass Completion	83%
Key Passes per Match	1.6

You can see his value in the way he connects defense and attack, using short, accurate passes and quick runs that keep defenders on their toes.

Versatility: Wing-Back and Attack

Arfsten shifts easily between winger and wing-back, which gives Columbus a lot of tactical flexibility. When manager Wilfried Nancy changes up the formation, Arfsten sometimes drops deeper to defend, then pushes forward when the Crew win the ball.

As a wing-back, he supports overlapping runs and swings early crosses into the box. When he plays higher up, he presses fullbacks and forces turnovers that can spark fast attacks.

He’s 6’1”, so he wins his share of aerial duels, and his first touch helps him control long passes from the back line.

That balance between defending and attacking really comes from his training and adaptability. You’ll notice how his positioning shifts depending on whether the Crew are holding a lead or chasing a goal.

Collaboration with Teammates

Arfsten’s chemistry with players like Sean Zawadzki and Patrick Schulte jumps out. He’s always communicating, adjusting his runs to fit Zawadzki’s passes or timing his movement for Schulte’s long balls.

With Diego Rossi, he’s found a good partnership on the left. Rossi drifts inside, letting Arfsten stay wide or make overlapping runs, which keeps defenders guessing.

That coordination lets the Crew keep up pressure without losing their defensive shape.

In close games, his awareness of teammates’ habits helps him anticipate plays. You can tell that comes from experience and trust built over lots of minutes together.

MLS Competitions and Achievements

Max Arfsten’s steady rise with the Columbus Crew says a lot about his skill and ability to adapt. You’ve seen him handle league play, postseason battles, and international tournaments, all while adjusting to the speed and demands of Major League Soccer.

MLS Cup and Playoff Performances

Arfsten’s role in the Crew’s playoff runs has kept growing. In his rookie season, he scored his first MLS playoff goal against Atlanta United—a confident way to start his postseason career.

That goal showed his timing and ability to deliver under pressure.

He’s now a regular contributor in the MLS Cup Playoffs, starting both matches in the Crew’s 2025 Round One series against FC Cincinnati (OurSports Central).

Playoff Highlights

Season	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Notable Moment
2023	1	1	0	First playoff goal vs. Atlanta United
2025	2	0	1	Started both matches vs. FC Cincinnati

His playoff record is still short, but you can see the progress. His minutes and involvement have grown each postseason.

Leagues Cup and International Tournaments

Arfsten’s development includes time in international club competitions too. The Leagues Cup—where MLS teams face Liga MX clubs—gave him a chance to test himself against new styles.

You can tell those games helped him make quicker decisions and handle tight spaces better.

His form also led to multiple U.S. Men’s National Team call-ups during FIFA windows, as the Columbus Crew mentioned.

Facing teams like Paraguay and other national squads gave him a taste of higher-level competition.

He’s shown he can handle different tactics and stay consistent, which makes him valuable for both club and country.

MLS All-Star Recognition

In 2025, Arfsten hit a new milestone—he was named a 2025 MLS All-Star, joining teammate Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew). That honor recognized not just his stats, but his growing influence in the midfield.

It’s nice to see his hard work and discipline get noticed by coaches and other players.

His journey from UC Davis, to San Jose Earthquakes II, and now to an MLS All-Star slot in Columbus really shows how steady improvement pays off in Major League Soccer.

National Team Experience and International Play

Max Arfsten’s rise with the Crew has started to carry over into his international career. His work rate, versatility, and tactical smarts have earned him regular call-ups and real minutes with the U.S. Men’s National Team under Mauricio Pochettino.

U.S. Men’s National Team Involvement

Arfsten earned his first senior cap in 2024 and quickly became a fixture on the USMNT roster. By late 2025, he had played in 14 matches, started 12, and chipped in one goal and four assists.

He scored his first international goal in a 2-0 win over Costa Rica—a cool moment that showed his composure.

You can see his flexibility in midfield, where he plays wide or central depending on what the team needs. Pochettino trusts him to mix defensive work with creative passing.

Year	Caps	Goals	Assists	Coach
2024	5	0	1	Mauricio Pochettino
2025	9	1	3	Mauricio Pochettino

In friendlies against Ecuador and Australia, he showed he can control tempo and use space well—traits that make him valuable in the national setup.

CONCACAF Champions Cup and Gold Cup

Arfsten’s international résumé grew during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He picked up two assists against Trinidad and Tobago in the group stage and scored against Costa Rica in the quarterfinals.

Those contributions helped the U.S. go deep into the tournament.

He also played in the CONCACAF Champions Cup with Columbus Crew, facing top clubs from Mexico and Central America. Those matches forced him to make decisions faster and read the game at a higher speed.

His play in both competitions proved he can handle different styles and physical opponents.

International Impact and Recognition

Arfsten’s international presence is about more than numbers. Mauricio Pochettino keeps picking him, which signals trust from the staff and respect from teammates.

At just 24, media outlets have pointed out his composure and maturity—qualities some players never quite develop.

His performances in the Gold Cup and friendlies have drawn comparisons to established U.S. midfielders, especially for his blend of creativity and discipline.

Arfsten’s time with the U.S. Men’s National Team and tournaments like the CONCACAF Gold Cup has sharpened his tactical edge. For someone who came up through UC Davis and worked his way into MLS, every international appearance really adds to his growth.

For more on his national team career, check out the Columbus Crew announcement.

Notable Matches and Opponents

You’ve watched Max Arfsten’s impact grow with each tough opponent. His control on the ball and smart positioning have stood out in high-pressure league games, national tournaments, and international friendlies.

Key Games Against MLS Rivals

When Arfsten faces familiar MLS teams, his tempo and decision-making really lift the Crew midfield. Against FC Cincinnati, he put together one of his best performances—scoring once and assisting twice in a 4-0 playoff win that forced a Game 3.

He’s made an impact against Atlanta United and Charlotte FC too, using his pressing and off-ball runs to create chances for others. In a close match with New York Red Bulls, his work in transition helped the Crew keep control late.

Notable 2025 MLS Regular Season Stats

Opponent	Goals	Assists	Key Passes	Minutes Played
FC Cincinnati	1	2	4	88
Atlanta United	0	1	3	76
Charlotte FC	1	0	2	81
New York Red Bulls	0	1	2	79

Arfsten’s steady performances against rivals show he’s ready for bigger moments. His background at UC Davis as a two-way midfielder still shapes his balanced style.

Performances in U.S. Open Cup

Arfsten’s versatility really pops in the U.S. Open Cup. He often faces lower-division clubs with all sorts of tactical quirks.

He scored early against Indy Eleven and kept possession moving with quick, short passes. In a physical match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds, he stayed calm under pressure and created several scoring chances.

Later, against Loudoun United, Arfsten’s movement between the lines opened up space for the wingers. He doesn’t force plays—he reads the game, deciding when to push forward or just recycle the ball.

U.S. Open Cup Highlights

• Scored in Round of 32 vs. Indy Eleven
• Assisted twice in win over Pittsburgh Riverhounds
• Completed 89% of passes in quarterfinal vs. Loudoun United

You can see the discipline in these matches that helped him earn a starting spot in MLS, honestly.

Encounters with International Clubs

Arfsten’s growth keeps showing up in friendlies and international showcases. Against Tigres UANL of Liga MX, he tracked back hard, breaking up counterattacks and showing off his defensive awareness.

His passing accuracy helped the Crew keep their rhythm against a technically sharp opponent.

In preseason against LAFC, he played left wing and connected well with overlapping fullbacks. That adaptability really stands out, doesn’t it?

When facing Inter Miami CF and Austin FC, he looked confident under pressure, pulling off sharp one-touch passes that broke through the press.

Selected International and Friendly Stats

Opponent	Competition	Result	Arfsten Contribution
Tigres UANL	Friendly	2–2 Draw	1 Assist
LAFC	Preseason	3–1 Win	2 Key Passes
Inter Miami CF	Friendly	1–0 Win	90% Pass Accuracy
Austin FC	Friendly	2–1 Win	3 Tackles

You can measure Arfsten’s progress not just by goals, but by how reliably he handles tough, varied opposition.

Recognition, Honors, and Off-Field Influence

Max Arfsten’s steady rise says a lot about his talent and work ethic, doesn’t it? He’s not just making an impact with league honors and team achievements—he’s also active in the community.

Individual Accolades

Arfsten’s time with the Columbus Crew has really put him on the MLS map. In 2025, he snagged his first MLS All-Star selection, which is no small feat.

That came after he put up six goal contributions in 16 starts, including a game-winner against San Jose.

His Transfermarkt value jumped to €3.5 million, a pretty clear sign of his growing influence. The U.S. Men’s National Team called him up, too, and that just reinforced his rep as a reliable, versatile midfielder.

His early years at UC Davis built his discipline. You can still see that in his sharp positioning and smart decisions—those traits have made his transition to the pros a lot smoother.

Year	Competition	Recognition
2023	MLS Rookie Season	2 goals, 1 assist
2024	Regular Season	Key starter, consistent performer
2025	MLS All-Star	First career selection

Team Successes

Arfsten’s rise really matches up with the Crew’s continued success under coach Wilfried Nancy. He’s helped anchor the midfield, supporting both the attack and the defense.

The Crew’s focus on possession and pressing fits his pace and awareness perfectly.

Arfsten played a part in several big wins that kept the Crew near the top of the Eastern Conference. His chemistry with Diego Rossi and Darlington Nagbe has made the team’s transitions even smoother.

The 2025 season was strong for the group as a whole, with several Crew players getting nods for the MLS All-Star roster. That kind of recognition really shows how individual growth—Arfsten’s included—has fueled bigger team achievements.

Season	Team Finish	Contribution
2023	Playoff berth	2 goals, 1 assist
2024	Deep playoff run	Consistent midfield play
2025	All-Star season	3 goals, 3 assists

Community Engagement and Youth Development

Off the field, Arfsten really gets involved in community programs around Columbus. You’ll spot him at youth training sessions or hanging out at local outreach events the Crew puts together.

He loves mentoring young players. That probably comes from his own days playing college soccer at UC Davis.

Arfsten often shows up at youth clinics that push teamwork, discipline, and education. These programs give kids a chance to learn right from the pros in a relaxed, encouraging setting.

He gets involved because he believes in building real connections between the club and its fans. When he visits schools or youth academies, he tries to inspire the next wave of local talent. Maybe they’ll chase soccer with the same energy he brings to every match.