Max Arfsten
LW
Wide Forward
Apr 19, 2001 (25)
Left
6'1"
172 lb
Joins Middlesbrough
Arfsten has been acquired by Middlesbrough from Columbus Crew, the club announced.
Analysis: Arfsten was a constant starter for Columbus over the past three seasons, racking up 89 MLS regular-season appearances (72 starts) with 14 goals and 22 assists from 2023-26, plus six postseason appearances and time in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup. He made the U.S. World Cup roster in 2026, debuting in the Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6. He joins Middlesbrough, who fell just one win short of Premier League promotion last season, reuniting with former Crew Homegrown midfielders Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter. His departure clears the way for Hugo Picard and Lautaro Giaccone to see more playing time in Columbus.
Five crosses Wednesday
Arfsten recorded one shot (one on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against New York City FC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 60th minute.
Analysis: After representing the United States at the World Cup -- albeit logging just one minute across five matches -- Arfsten returned to club football Wednesday. He started Columbus' return to MLS play and had a decent outing, highlighted by his five crosses and one shot on target. He was solid on the defensive end too as he won seven duels, two tackles and made one clearance in his full 90 minutes of action. Next up is a rivalry match versus Cincinnati on Saturday.
Scores in Wednesday's loss
Arfsten scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat versus New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Arfsten found the back of the net in the 22nd minute Wednesday with a strike assisted by Hugo Picard. He now has eight goal contributions through 13 starts -- all of which have come in the last nine matches -- after recording 11 in 32 appearances last campaign. He'll look to keep the momentum going Saturday at Philadelphia.
Assists Saturday
Arfsten assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 defeat versus Minnesota United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 12th minute.
Analysis: Arfsten recorded yet another goal contribution Saturday as he set up Taha Habroune's goal in the 31st minute which opened up the scoring. He now has seven goal contributions this season, all of which have come in his last seven matches. He created two chances for the fifth time this season and also recorded four inaccurate crosses on the attack.
Scores opener Saturday
Arfsten scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Philadelphia Union.
Analysis: Arfsten kept his hot streak going Saturday as he opened up the scoring in the 4th minute with an unassisted goal. He now has six goal contributions this season, all of which have come in the last six matches. He put a season-high two shots on target, but he failed to create a chance for the first time this season. He was subbed off in the 81st minute for Mohamed Farsi.
Assists in Wednesday's win
Arfsten assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Los Angeles Galaxy.
Analysis: Arfsten assisted Diego Rossi's goal in the 47th minute Wednesday, a strike which took the 2-0 lead shortly after halftime. It marked his fifth goal contribution of the season, all of which have come in his last five contests. He has now put at least one shot on target and created at least one chance in four consecutive matches. He also made four clearances and won two tackles in his full 90 minutes of action.
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