M. Farsi, Columbus Crew Defender #23: Career, Stats & Impact

It’s honestly tough to talk about the Columbus Crew’s recent rise and not mention M. Farsi, the defender rocking number 23. Born in Montréal, Québec, and shaped by Canada’s youth system, Farsi brings this cool mix of speed, control, and awareness to every match.

He’s really earned his spot in Major League Soccer through discipline, consistency, and just plain smart choices on the field.

As you follow Farsi’s journey, you’ll see how his style just clicks with the Crew’s system. He doesn’t only defend—he actually builds play from the back, connecting possession with intent.

His steady presence and technical skill have made him a key part of the team’s defense, especially since his breakout 2023 season with Columbus Crew.

Farsi’s story stretches beyond a single season. He started out with Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, then grew in MLS. His path really shows what focus and patience can do.

His partnerships, achievements, and that new contract through 2027 all keep shaping his role as one of the Crew’s most dependable defenders.

M. Farsi’s Role at Columbus Crew

When you watch Mohamed Farsi, you see a defender who mixes energy, discipline, and tactical smarts. His Canadian background and Crew 2 experience set him up to thrive in MLS with Columbus, where he now makes an impact on both ends of the pitch.

Primary Position and Shirt Number

Farsi mainly lines up as a right-back for the Columbus Crew, sporting the number 23 shirt. You’ll often spot him pushing high up the right, linking defense and attack.

His positioning lets him support midfielders while still covering defensively.

He joined the Crew’s senior team after shining with Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. His performances there showed real maturity and consistency.

That experience helped him adjust fast to MLS’s demands.

Farsi can flip between defending and attacking, which makes him really valuable to the team’s structure. His awareness and speed mean he gets back quickly—a must for a fullback in a possession-based system.

Season	Club	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022	Columbus Crew	MLS	7	0	1
2023	Columbus Crew	MLS	31	0	5
2023	U.S. Open Cup	Cup	2	1	0

Playing Style and Strengths

You could call Farsi’s playing style disciplined, technical, and forward-thinking. He reads the game, times his runs well, and stretches defenses without leaving too much space behind.

His first touch and passing keep the Crew’s ball movement pretty smooth.

Farsi’s defensive work stands out. He handles one-on-one duels calmly and rarely dives in.

He’s got the stamina to press high and recover, which fits Columbus’s aggressive setup.

He chips in offensively, too, often sending in crosses or short passes that lead to scoring chances. In 2023, he notched five assists, showing he’s getting more involved in attack, according to the Columbus Crew player profile.

Integration into First Team

Farsi’s journey to the senior squad kicked off with Crew 2. He played every match in their first season and helped them win the MLS NEXT Pro Championship.

That consistency landed him a first-team contract in 2022.

By 2023, he was a regular starter, logging 23 starts and 31 appearances. Coaches liked his adaptability, and his play helped the Crew grab the 2023 MLS Cup.

Farsi’s calm presence and work ethic have made him a trusted pick in Wilfried Nancy’s system.

His development from a young player at Cavalry FC and Crew 2 to a reliable MLS defender really highlights his steady climb inside the Columbus Crew organization, as NBC4 Sports points out.

2023 and 2024 Season Highlights

You’ve probably noticed Mohamed Farsi growing into one of the Columbus Crew’s most reliable defenders. His pace, awareness, and control really shaped some key playoff moments.

His steady production in assists and goals helped balance the Crew’s attack down the right.

MLS Cup Victory

Farsi’s 2023 campaign ended with him lifting the MLS Cup for Columbus. His defensive consistency and sharp passing gave the Crew a reliable outlet on the flank during their run.

He kicked off the season strong, starting against Philadelphia on February 25. By the playoffs, he’d locked down a regular spot.

Farsi made his playoff debut in the first round versus Atlanta United on November 7, helping the Crew move forward.

That championship marked Farsi’s first MLS Cup win, and he did it in just his second full season with the club.

His calm under pressure and ability to push forward in transition matched the Crew’s attacking style that year. You could tell he’d fully adjusted to the league’s pace and physicality.

Key Matches and Performances

Farsi’s year stood out for his dependability in big games. Against Atlanta United in March, he set up an assist in a 6–1 win, showing he can create chances from deep.

In the U.S. Open Cup, he came off the bench to score the winner against Indy Eleven on April 26, sending the Crew through.

He also played solid minutes against FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC. His defensive work and overlapping runs forced opponents to rethink their shape.

His tactical awareness let the Crew keep width and possession for long stretches.

Farsi’s 2024 season built on that, as he kept earning starts and minutes across MLS matches. His confidence on the ball made him a dependable option in both league and cup games.

Assists and Goals Record

Farsi wrapped up 2023 with 31 appearances, 23 starts, and five assists, according to the Columbus Crew’s official site. He also added a U.S. Open Cup goal, his first in that tournament.

Season	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists	Competition Highlights
2022	7	1	0	1	MLS debut vs. Charlotte FC
2023	31	23	1	5	MLS Cup Champion
2024	Data ongoing	—	—	—	Regular MLS contributor

His numbers showed real growth from his 2022 debut. You could see his better decision-making, especially in the final third, where he opened space for forwards with well-placed crosses.

By 2024, Farsi had become a dependable creator from the back, making an impact at both ends. His stats reflected a player who’d earned his spot among the Crew’s core.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Farsi’s rise in pro soccer really shows steady growth and consistent performance. His early success in Canada, standout moments in the Canadian Premier League, and smooth jump to MLS all highlight how preparation and opportunity can line up for a defender who thrives under pressure.

U-21 Player of the Year

While with Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, Farsi picked up the U-21 Player of the Year award in 2020. That award recognized his strong defensive play, quick recovery runs, and ability to push forward.

That year, he played in 35 matches and scored two goals. His composure on the ball and tactical awareness made him stand out among young players.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Award Year
2020–21	Cavalry FC	35	2	2020

The award caught scouts’ attention and opened the door for his move to the U.S., where he joined the Columbus Crew. It also confirmed he could compete at higher levels and fit in with new systems and teammates.

El Jimador Shot of the Year

In that same 2020 season, Farsi won El Jimador Shot of the Year for a goal against Pacific FC. He struck from distance, showing both timing and confidence.

He hit the ball clean, sending it past the keeper into the top corner.

That moment showed off his technical ability and willingness to take smart risks. Fans and analysts gave him props for the precision and control behind the shot.

This recognition added to his growing reputation as a defender who can contribute on both ends. It also showed he’s comfortable pushing forward when there’s space.

MLS Debut and Milestones

After joining the Columbus Crew, Farsi made his MLS debut on June 18, 2022, against Charlotte FC. He came off the bench in a 1–1 draw, kicking off his top-flight career.

In 2023, he built on that start with 31 appearances, 23 starts, and five assists. He also scored the game-winner in a U.S. Open Cup match versus Indy Eleven.

Season	Club	Appearances	Starts	Assists	Goals	Achievement
2022	Columbus Crew	7	0	1	0	MLS Debut
2023	Columbus Crew	31	23	5	1	MLS Cup Champion

He capped off 2023 by winning his first MLS Cup with the Crew. That season really confirmed his role as a reliable right-back who combines endurance, pace, and smart positioning.

He keeps representing Algeria internationally while holding down a key spot in Columbus.

You can check out more about his professional record on Columbus Crew’s official profile and get his career details on Wikipedia.

Professional Journey and Previous Clubs

If you look at Mohamed Farsi’s path, you’ll see steady steps across different leagues. He’s spent time in the Canadian Premier League, had a strong run with Cavalry FC, and even had an early stint with Algerian club Ain M’lila.

Each stop shaped his defensive awareness, discipline, and knack for adapting to tougher competition.

Canadian Premier League Experience

Farsi’s rise in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) caught attention for his quick transitions and steady defensive work. Playing in this growing league gave him real minutes against tough opponents and helped sharpen his tactical sense.

His time in the CPL showed he could balance attack and defense. He made overlapping runs to create width, and his recovery speed stopped counterattacks.

Coaches appreciated his reliability and calmness in tight games.

He studied at Collège Ahuntsic in Montreal before turning pro, already showing discipline and focus. His CPL experience really set the stage for his move to MLS with Columbus Crew.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2020	Cavalry FC	CPL	16	1	2
2021	Cavalry FC	CPL	19	1	3

Time with Cavalry FC

You could really see Farsi’s game grow during his two seasons with Cavalry FC.

He played in 35 matches between 2020 and 2021, scored twice, and chipped in with several assists.

His efforts got him the league’s U-21 Player of the Year award in 2020, which honestly says a lot about his rising influence.

Farsi’s big moment? He won the El Jimador Shot of the Year for a goal against Pacific FC—that goal showed off his technical control and some real confidence.

He brought consistency on both sides of the field, giving Cavalry FC a right-back they could trust to join the attack when needed.

Those seasons? They really built his readiness for MLS.

The CPL’s rough schedule and all that travel tested his endurance and adaptability—both traits you need as a modern defender.

Stint at Ain M’lila

Before his time in Canada, Farsi signed his first pro contract with Ain M’lila, a club in Algeria’s top division.

He didn’t make a first-team appearance, but the experience exposed him to professional standards abroad.

That early challenge helped him figure out the discipline it takes to make it.

Training with seasoned players in a different football culture definitely sharpened his mindset and work ethic.

The stint didn’t last long, but the move showed ambition.

Farsi came back to North America with a clearer idea of what it takes to compete at a high level, setting himself up for later success in the CPL and beyond.

Key Competitions and Tournaments

You can pretty much track Mohamed Farsi’s growth by looking at how he performed in knockout and developmental competitions.

His performances in the U.S. Open Cup and MLS Next Pro seasons really show how he adapted to tougher competition, helping Columbus Crew and Crew 2 pull off some big wins.

U.S. Open Cup Contributions

Farsi made his mark in the U.S. Open Cup, a national tournament that tests teams’ depth and resilience.

In 2023, he came on as a sub against Indy Eleven and scored the only goal, sealing a 1–0 win for Columbus.

That moment highlighted how he could change a game, even off the bench.

He showed great positional awareness, using his speed to press high and recover quickly.

Those traits helped the Crew keep their defensive shape while still adding width in attack.

Match Snapshot (April 26, 2023):

Opponent	Result	Role	Goal	Minutes Played
Indy Eleven	1–0 Win	Substitute	1	32

That goal pushed the Crew forward in the tournament and reinforced Farsi’s reputation as a clutch player in tight matches.

His efficiency in limited minutes earned him more trust from the staff and led to more chances in league play.

MLS Next Pro and Crew 2 Success

Before joining the senior team, you saw Farsi really thrive with Crew 2 in the MLS Next Pro league.

He played in every match of the 2022 season, helping the squad win the first-ever MLS Next Pro Championship.

His consistency stood out.

Farsi’s fitness, ball control, and timing on defense gave Crew 2 a reliable option on the right.

Crew 2 2022 Season Stats:

Category	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Championship Result
League Play	24	0	3	Champions

That season showed he was ready for MLS.

By the time he joined the senior roster, Farsi had already proven he could handle the pace and structure of pro soccer.

His path through Crew 2 still stands as a great example for young players hoping to break into top-tier competition.

For more on his pro record, check out his Columbus Crew profile.

Teammates, Partnerships, and Contract

You can see how Mohamed Farsi’s reliability, chemistry with key defenders, and long-term commitment have shaped his role with the Columbus Crew.

His growth reflects not just his technical skills but also how well he fits into the team’s defensive plans.

Multi-Year Contract Extension

Farsi signed a multi-year contract extension through 2027 with a club option for 2028, locking in his spot with the Crew’s core group of younger players.

The deal, announced in early 2024, made it clear the club believes in his development and consistency on the right side.

Last season, he made 31 appearances, 23 starts, and tallied five assists, showing steady production as a two-way player.

You can read the official announcement on the Columbus Crew website.

Season	Appearances	Starts	Assists	Goals	Contract End
2023	31	23	5	1	2027 (option 2028)

Farsi’s contract also highlights his rise from Crew 2 to the first team, rewarding his persistence since joining in 2022.

His deal matches the club’s focus on keeping young talent that fits their style.

Collaboration with Max Arfsten and Yevhen Cheberko

You can notice Farsi’s chemistry with Max Arfsten and Yevhen Cheberko gives the Crew more flexibility in defense.

Arfsten’s pressing up high pairs well with Farsi’s overlapping runs, and Cheberko’s positioning lets Farsi push forward without leaving gaps.

When all three start, their balance between aggression and structure helps the team’s shape.

Farsi often links up with Arfsten in quick one-twos along the right, opening space for crosses.

Cheberko’s left-footed passing also lets the team switch play to Farsi’s side, stretching opponents and creating new options.

This trio’s coordination has quietly become one of Columbus’s most dependable assets, especially in tight matches where spacing and timing really matter.

Synergy with Steven Moreira

Farsi and Steven Moreira just get each other. They switch between defending and attacking so smoothly, it keeps opponents on their toes.

Their back line movement isn’t random—it’s a dance that helps the Crew push forward fast while still staying balanced.

Moreira’s experience really shapes how Farsi makes those overlapping runs. If Farsi decides to charge up the field, Moreira instinctively drops back to cover.

That kind of trust keeps things stable and makes it tough for other teams to hit the Crew on the counter.

They don’t just click on the pitch, either. Off the field, they spend time together in training and dig into film sessions.

You can see all that work pay off during games. Their coordination shuts down opposing wingers and fits right into the Crew’s possession-first style.