Max Arfsten
LW
Wide Forward
Apr 19, 2001 (25)
Left
6'1"
172 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
2026 Major League Soccer
Overall Grades by game
2026 Major League Soccer
Upcoming matches
No matches scheduled
News
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.
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