Deadspin | New Crew coach brings championship experience

Sports news January 1, 2026

Jun 19, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; A general view of a game ball before a match between the Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire in the final game at Historic Crew Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-Imagn Images

New Columbus Crew head coach Henrik Rydstrom brings championship experience to a team in transition.

Rydstrom was hired Wednesday to replace former MLS Coach of the Year and MLS Cup champion Wilfried Nancy, who departed on Dec. 3 to coach Scotland’s Celtic FC.

A 49-year-old Swede, Rydstrom inherits a club that also is replacing legendary captain Darlington Nagbe, a four-time MLS Cup champion who retired after the 2025 season.

Rydstrom most recently coached at Malmo FF, leading the club to two straight Swedish league titles (2023, 2024) and the 2023-24 Swedish Cup.

Following a 24-year professional playing career, Rydstrom also has managed IK Sirius (2019-20) and Kalmar FF (2021-22) in his home country.

“Henrik has proven his leadership ability throughout an established coaching and playing career, and we collectively share a vision for how we can continue to advance and evolve the club’s dynamic style of play,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall.

“During the head coaching search, we prioritized candidates’ personalities and care for their club as a whole, in addition to their coaching accolades. Henrik fully embodies these traits as the Crew’s head coach, and we’re eager to begin the 2026 season together with our long-standing goal of consistently contending for championships in Columbus.”

Welcome to Columbus, Coach Rydström ????

The Columbus Crew?announced?today?that Henrik?Rydström??has been named the ninth full-time head coach in Club history.

??: https://t.co/RwxVS2NTEY pic.twitter.com/kj6xQRkGhf

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 31, 2025

Rydstrom will be joined by assistant coach Theodor Olsson and first-team analyst Mak Pakhei. Goalkeeper coach Phil Boerger and head of video and data analysis Marc O’Neill will continue in their roles with the Crew.

“After every meeting with Crew leadership, the feeling continued to grow that this club is special and something that you want to be part of,” Rydstrom said.

“As a coach, you love the Crew’s playing style and how the players enjoy it, the focus on hard work and the club’s passionate supporters. Our goal is to continue to build upon the team’s impressive success and attacking style while combining the desire to win with challenging ourselves every day to improve and to create joy for the team and supporters.”

Columbus opens the Rydstrom era in the 2026 MLS season opener on Feb. 21 against the visiting Portland Timbers.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Bo Bichette’s six RBIs, grand slam helps Mets beat rival Braves Jun 12, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a solo home run in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Bo Bichette had two homers and tied a career-high with six RBIs Friday night for the host New York Mets, who beat the Atlanta Braves 7-5 in the opener of a three-game series between the National League East rivals. The Mets have won two straight. Dominic Smith and Mike Yastrzemski laced run-scoring singles in the second, and Matt Olson hit a solo homer in the fifth. Ozzie Albies and Eli White each collected an RBI single in the eighth for the Braves, who tied a season-high with their third consecutive loss. Bichette and Juan Soto went back-to-back in the first off Spencer Strider (4-2) before Bichette capped a two-out rally in the second with his third career grand slam. Bichette added a sacrifice fly in the fourth for his second six-RBI game and his first since Aug. 4, 2024 when he also had two homers and six RBIs for the Toronto Blue Jays in a 15-1 win over the Colorado Rockies. Five pitchers combined on a nine-hitter for the Mets. Cionel Perez (3-3) earned the victory by recording four outs in relief of starter Nolan McLean. Devin Williams gave up two hits over the last 1 1/3 innings to notch his 10th save. McLean was pulled after giving up two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six and throwing 93 pitches in four innings. McLean wriggled out of bases-loaded, none-out jam following the RBI hits by Smith and Yastrzemski, The rookie right-hander struck out Austin Wynns and retired Mauricio Dubon on pop-up to first before fanning Michael Harris II. Strider gave up seven runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three over three-plus innings before he departed due to a sore right arm following a leadoff walk to MJ Melendez in the fourth. Strider retired four straight batters following Soto’s homer before running into trouble in the second. Melendez doubled and Luis Torrens singled off Strider’s glove before the right-hander plunked Carson Benge. Bichette homered just beyond the right field fence two pitches later. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bichettes #RBIs #grand #slam #helps #Mets #beat #rival #Braves

#Deadspin #Bichettes #RBIs #grand #slam #helps #Mets #beat #rival #Braves">

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Jun 12, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a solo home run in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Bo Bichette had two homers and tied a career-high with six RBIs Friday night for the host New York Mets, who beat the Atlanta Braves 7-5 in the opener of a three-game series between the National League East rivals.

The Mets have won two straight. Dominic Smith and Mike Yastrzemski laced run-scoring singles in the second, and Matt Olson hit a solo homer in the fifth. Ozzie Albies and Eli White each collected an RBI single in the eighth for the Braves, who tied a season-high with their third consecutive loss.

Bichette and Juan Soto went back-to-back in the first off Spencer Strider (4-2) before Bichette capped a two-out rally in the second with his third career grand slam.

Bichette added a sacrifice fly in the fourth for his second six-RBI game and his first since Aug. 4, 2024 when he also had two homers and six RBIs for the Toronto Blue Jays in a 15-1 win over the Colorado Rockies.

Five pitchers combined on a nine-hitter for the Mets. Cionel Perez (3-3) earned the victory by recording four outs in relief of starter Nolan McLean. Devin Williams gave up two hits over the last 1 1/3 innings to notch his 10th save.

McLean was pulled after giving up two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six and throwing 93 pitches in four innings.

McLean wriggled out of bases-loaded, none-out jam following the RBI hits by Smith and Yastrzemski, The rookie right-hander struck out Austin Wynns and retired Mauricio Dubon on pop-up to first before fanning Michael Harris II.

Strider gave up seven runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three over three-plus innings before he departed due to a sore right arm following a leadoff walk to MJ Melendez in the fourth.

Strider retired four straight batters following Soto’s homer before running into trouble in the second. Melendez doubled and Luis Torrens singled off Strider’s glove before the right-hander plunked Carson Benge. Bichette homered just beyond the right field fence two pitches later.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bichettes #RBIs #grand #slam #helps #Mets #beat #rival #Braves">Deadspin | Bo Bichette’s six RBIs, grand slam helps Mets beat rival Braves

Jun 12, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a solo home run in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Bo Bichette had two homers and tied a career-high with six RBIs Friday night for the host New York Mets, who beat the Atlanta Braves 7-5 in the opener of a three-game series between the National League East rivals.

The Mets have won two straight. Dominic Smith and Mike Yastrzemski laced run-scoring singles in the second, and Matt Olson hit a solo homer in the fifth. Ozzie Albies and Eli White each collected an RBI single in the eighth for the Braves, who tied a season-high with their third consecutive loss.

Bichette and Juan Soto went back-to-back in the first off Spencer Strider (4-2) before Bichette capped a two-out rally in the second with his third career grand slam.

Bichette added a sacrifice fly in the fourth for his second six-RBI game and his first since Aug. 4, 2024 when he also had two homers and six RBIs for the Toronto Blue Jays in a 15-1 win over the Colorado Rockies.

Five pitchers combined on a nine-hitter for the Mets. Cionel Perez (3-3) earned the victory by recording four outs in relief of starter Nolan McLean. Devin Williams gave up two hits over the last 1 1/3 innings to notch his 10th save.

McLean was pulled after giving up two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six and throwing 93 pitches in four innings.

McLean wriggled out of bases-loaded, none-out jam following the RBI hits by Smith and Yastrzemski, The rookie right-hander struck out Austin Wynns and retired Mauricio Dubon on pop-up to first before fanning Michael Harris II.

Strider gave up seven runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three over three-plus innings before he departed due to a sore right arm following a leadoff walk to MJ Melendez in the fourth.

Strider retired four straight batters following Soto’s homer before running into trouble in the second. Melendez doubled and Luis Torrens singled off Strider’s glove before the right-hander plunked Carson Benge. Bichette homered just beyond the right field fence two pitches later.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bichettes #RBIs #grand #slam #helps #Mets #beat #rival #Braves

When Gavin Gallaher came to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning Friday night in Omaha, the UNC second baseman was still looking for his first career hit in the Men’s College World Series. Between 2024 and the first part of Friday night’s game against Ole Miss, Gallaher was 0-15 in Omaha.

But finally got a hit in Omaha, and he made that first hit count.

The UNC infielder laced a single up the middle, past the dive of shortstop Owen Paino, to bring Colin Hynek home from second and give the Tar Heels a slim 3-2 lead.

But it would be enough on Friday night in Omaha, as UNC knocked off Ole Miss by a final score of 6-2 to take their first game at the Men’s College World Series.

Both teams got tremendous outings from their starting pitchers as Ole Miss starter Taylor Rabe worked deep into the sixth inning, going 5.2 while allowing just one earned run. Jason DeCaro, who was the hero for UNC in Game 2 of the Tar Heels’ Super Regional against USC, went 6.2 innings while allowing a pair of earned runs.

But in the seventh, UNC pushed a pair of runs across to take the lead for good. After a pair of walks to open the inning, No. 9 hitter Carter French laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move the runners over, and turn the lineup over as well.

That brought leadoff hitter Jake Schaffner to the plate, and he lofted a fly ball deep enough to right to bring Tyler Home with the tying run to knot the game at 2-2.

That set the stage for Gallaher, and that first hit in Omaha:

Gallaher went into postseason lore in Chapel Hill during the 2024 regionals, when his grand slam in the bottom of the ninth propelled UNC to a comeback win in their first game against LIU.

But this bit of heroics came in the Men’s College World Series.

Still, UNC was not done. Because in the bottom of the eighth, it was Hynek’s turn for some heroics:

The numbers on this blast certainly stand out:

Ole Miss made a little noise in the ninth, as Luke Romine led off with a single. But reliever Caden Glauber got Collin Reuter to roll into a double play, and then Glauber retired leadoff hitter Dom Decker on a flyout to left to end the game.

On the season, the Tar Heels are now 26-0 when Glauber takes to the bump at some point in a game. It was also the third consecutive time the Tar Heels opened with a win in Omaha, dating back to 2018.

But it was all about “Mr. Postseason.” However, Gallaher had something else on his mind when speaking to ESPN after the win.

“I just want to say, sorry for a second, first, it’s my sister’s birthday. Happy birthday to her. My whole family is here, I’m so thankful for them,” started Gallaher. “I’ve been talking about it a lot, I was a little upset with myself in ‘24.”

He then talked about the timeout Scott Forbes called before his key hit.

“He told me to slow down,” said Gallaher. “He’s so good over there, his presence is so good.”

The Tar Heels will take on West Virginia Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, while Ole Miss will see Troy at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in an elimination game.

#Mens #College #World #Series #Gavin #Gallaher #Colin #Hynek #deliver #UNC #Ole">

Men’s College World Series: Gavin Gallaher, Colin Hynek deliver for UNC vs. Ole Miss When Gavin Gallaher came to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning Friday night in Omaha, the UNC second baseman was still looking for his first career hit in the Men’s College World Series. Between 2024 and the first part of Friday night’s game against Ole Miss, Gallaher was 0-15 in Omaha.But finally got a hit in Omaha, and he made that first hit count.The UNC infielder laced a single up the middle, past the dive of shortstop Owen Paino, to bring Colin Hynek home from second and give the Tar Heels a slim 3-2 lead.But it would be enough on Friday night in Omaha, as UNC knocked off Ole Miss by a final score of 6-2 to take their first game at the Men’s College World Series.Both teams got tremendous outings from their starting pitchers as Ole Miss starter Taylor Rabe worked deep into the sixth inning, going 5.2 while allowing just one earned run. Jason DeCaro, who was the hero for UNC in Game 2 of the Tar Heels’ Super Regional against USC, went 6.2 innings while allowing a pair of earned runs.But in the seventh, UNC pushed a pair of runs across to take the lead for good. After a pair of walks to open the inning, No. 9 hitter Carter French laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move the runners over, and turn the lineup over as well.That brought leadoff hitter Jake Schaffner to the plate, and he lofted a fly ball deep enough to right to bring Tyler Home with the tying run to knot the game at 2-2.That set the stage for Gallaher, and that first hit in Omaha:Gallaher went into postseason lore in Chapel Hill during the 2024 regionals, when his grand slam in the bottom of the ninth propelled UNC to a comeback win in their first game against LIU.But this bit of heroics came in the Men’s College World Series.Still, UNC was not done. Because in the bottom of the eighth, it was Hynek’s turn for some heroics:The numbers on this blast certainly stand out:Ole Miss made a little noise in the ninth, as Luke Romine led off with a single. But reliever Caden Glauber got Collin Reuter to roll into a double play, and then Glauber retired leadoff hitter Dom Decker on a flyout to left to end the game.On the season, the Tar Heels are now 26-0 when Glauber takes to the bump at some point in a game. It was also the third consecutive time the Tar Heels opened with a win in Omaha, dating back to 2018.But it was all about “Mr. Postseason.” However, Gallaher had something else on his mind when speaking to ESPN after the win.“I just want to say, sorry for a second, first, it’s my sister’s birthday. Happy birthday to her. My whole family is here, I’m so thankful for them,” started Gallaher. “I’ve been talking about it a lot, I was a little upset with myself in ‘24.”He then talked about the timeout Scott Forbes called before his key hit.“He told me to slow down,” said Gallaher. “He’s so good over there, his presence is so good.”The Tar Heels will take on West Virginia Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, while Ole Miss will see Troy at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in an elimination game. #Mens #College #World #Series #Gavin #Gallaher #Colin #Hynek #deliver #UNC #Ole

mwasimuddin125 0

When Gavin Gallaher came to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning Friday night in Omaha, the UNC second baseman was still looking for his first career hit in the Men’s College World Series. Between 2024 and the first part of Friday night’s game against Ole Miss, Gallaher was 0-15 in Omaha.
But finally got a hit in Omaha, and he made that first hit count.
The UNC infielder laced a single up the middle, past the dive of shortstop Owen Paino, to bring Colin Hynek home from second and give the Tar Heels a slim 3-2 lead.
But it would be enough on Friday night in Omaha, as UNC knocked off Ole Miss by a final score of 6-2 to take their first game at the Men’s College World Series.
Both teams got tremendous outings from their starting pitchers as Ole Miss starter Taylor Rabe worked deep into the sixth inning, going 5.2 while allowing just one earned run. Jason DeCaro, who was the hero for UNC in Game 2 of the Tar Heels’ Super Regional against USC, went 6.2 innings while allowing a pair of earned runs.
But in the seventh, UNC pushed a pair of runs across to take the lead for good. After a pair of walks to open the inning, No. 9 hitter Carter French laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move the runners over, and turn the lineup over as well.
That brought leadoff hitter Jake Schaffner to the plate, and he lofted a fly ball deep enough to right to bring Tyler Home with the tying run to knot the game at 2-2.
That set the stage for Gallaher, and that first hit in Omaha:
Gallaher went into postseason lore in Chapel Hill during the 2024 regionals, when his grand slam in the bottom of the ninth propelled UNC to a comeback win in their first game against LIU.
But this bit of heroics came in the Men’s College World Series.
Still, UNC was not done. Because in the bottom of the eighth, it was Hynek’s turn for some heroics:
The numbers on this blast certainly stand out:
Ole Miss made a little noise in the ninth, as Luke Romine led off with a single. But reliever Caden Glauber got Collin Reuter to roll into a double play, and then Glauber retired leadoff hitter Dom Decker on a flyout to left to end the game.
On the season, the Tar Heels are now 26-0 when Glauber takes to the bump at some point in a game. It was also the third consecutive time the Tar Heels opened with a win in Omaha, dating back to 2018.
But it was all about “Mr. Postseason.” However, Gallaher had something else on his mind when speaking to ESPN after the win.
“I just want to say, sorry for a second, first, it’s my sister’s birthday. Happy birthday to her. My whole family is here, I’m so thankful for them,” started Gallaher. “I’ve been talking about it a lot, I was a little upset with myself in ‘24.”
He then talked about the timeout Scott Forbes called before his key hit.
“He told me to slow down,” said Gallaher. “He’s so good over there, his presence is so good.”
The Tar Heels will take on West Virginia Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, while Ole Miss will see Troy at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in an elimination game.

#Mens #College #World #Series #Gavin #Gallaher #Colin #Hynek #deliver #UNC #Ole">Men’s College World Series: Gavin Gallaher, Colin Hynek deliver for UNC vs. Ole Miss