If you were sitting at Lower.com Field last April, you saw it. That weird, gritty brand of soccer that only seems to happen when these two teams meet. It wasn’t a tactical masterclass by any stretch. It was a 2-1 scrap. A center back, Sean Zawadzki, scoring in the 29th minute? Typical. Max Arfsten playing the hero later on? Even more typical.
When we talk about the Columbus Crew vs San Jose Earthquakes matchup, we aren't talking about a classic rivalry born of geographic hatred. They are 2,400 miles apart. One is the pride of Ohio; the other is the Silicon Valley's original soccer experiment. But man, do they have a history of making things complicated for each other.
The Quakes always seem to find a way to make the Crew sweat.
The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Do Get Messy)
Look at the head-to-head. It is almost eerily balanced. Over decades of play, the Crew has a slight edge with 21 wins to San Jose's 14, but that doesn't tell the whole story. The draws—14 of them—are where the real drama lives.
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Remember the 3-3 thriller back in 2022? That game was pure MLS chaos. Francisco Calvo scoring twice in the dying minutes to steal a point for San Jose? It’s that specific brand of "never say die" energy that defines this fixture. You can’t ever just turn the TV off when these two are on the pitch. Honestly, if you're betting on a clean sheet in this game, you're probably new here.
In their most recent 2025 meeting, the Crew squeezed out that 2-1 win, but the underlying stats were a headache. San Jose actually had a higher expected goals (xG) count—2.2 to the Crew’s 1.9. They outshot Columbus. They looked more dangerous for long stretches. Yet, the Crew did what Wilfried Nancy’s teams do best: they found the net when it mattered most.
New Faces and Big Stakes for 2026
We are currently sitting in the 2026 preseason, and the rosters look a bit different. The big news? The Earthquakes just locked down Cristian “Chicho” Arango through 2027. He was their Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 for a reason. 13 goals and 7 assists in 30 games is no joke. If the Crew wants to keep their home streak alive, they have to figure out how to stop him.
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On the other side, Columbus just made a massive statement by extending Sean Zawadzki through 2030. He’s the heart of that defense now. The "2025 Crew Defender of the Year" tag isn't just for show. He’s the guy who stops the fires before they start.
Key Player Watch:
- Chicho Arango (SJ): The man is a goal machine. If he gets a yard of space, it's over.
- Sean Zawadzki (CLB): The homegrown hero. He’s the one who’ll be tasked with shadowing Arango.
- Diego Rossi (CLB): He’s the creative engine. While he isn't a traditional #9, his ability to set up players like Max Arfsten is why Columbus remains a threat.
What to Expect in the Next Chapter
The 2026 schedule is officially out, and while the date for the next Columbus Crew vs San Jose Earthquakes showdown is a hot topic, both teams are currently focused on their early-season grinds. The Quakes open against Sporting KC on February 21, while the Crew travels to Portland to kick things off.
The dynamic has shifted. Bruce Arena is at the helm in San Jose now, bringing a level of veteran savvy that the Quakes have lacked for years. He’s building a project. He’s making trades—like the recent deal with FC Cincinnati to secure goalkeeper rights. Meanwhile, Columbus is leaning into their "Path to Pro" philosophy, signing homegrowns like Chase Adams and Quinton Elliot.
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It’s a battle of philosophies. The established, system-heavy dominance of Nancy vs. the pragmatic, veteran-led resurgence of Arena.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're planning to follow this matchup or attend the next game, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Wings: Most of the goals in this series lately have come from wide play or set pieces, not through-the-middle breakthroughs.
- Expect Late Drama: Since 2020, nearly 30% of the goals in this fixture have come after the 75th minute. Don't leave early to beat the traffic.
- Check the Venue: Columbus is transitioning to "ScottsMiracle-Gro Field" branding for 2026, but the atmosphere remains just as hostile for visitors.
- Monitor the DP Spots: San Jose is still active in the market. With Josef Martínez gone, they have room to bring in another high-level threat alongside Arango.
Track the early 2026 form of Chicho Arango and Diego Rossi specifically. Their health and chemistry with their respective midfields will be the deciding factor when these two clubs finally cross paths this season. Keep an eye on the MLS Season Pass schedule for the official match night announcement.