The Columbus Crew took a 2-0 lead only to see the visiting Minnesota Union score three straight goals on set pieces in a span of 15 minutes to win 3-2 Saturday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. The Black & Gold got goals from Taha Habroune and Hugo Picard and also saw the MLS debut of home-grown striker Chase Adams. Here are our three takeaways from Saturday’s match:

1.    After struggling to get a win early in the season, the Crew had momentum coming into their match with Minnesota. The Black & Gold had put together three straight wins, all at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Giving up a two-goal lead Saturday was a major fail in front of their home fans. “It’s a huge disappointment, especially at home, in front of our supporters,” said Max Arfsten after the match. “I feel like we turned off on those set pieces and it cost us the game.” 

2.   Hugo Picard has arrived as a scorer for the Crew. In the Black & Gold’s two U.S. Open Cup matches the last two weeks, the 22-year-old posted a pair of braces to propel his club into the quarterfinals. Picard came to Columbus from French Ligue 2 side En Avant Guingamp. He joined the Crew as part of Major League Soccer’s U22 Initiative and is under contract through the 2028 season with a Club option for 2029.

3.   So, Chase Adams entered the match Saturday in second-half stoppage time. The 18-year-old native of Naperville, Ill. scored his debut goal with the First Team this past Wednesday against One Knoxville in the U.S. Open Cup round of 16. He joined the Crew Academy in 2023 and was promoted to Columbus Crew 2 a year later. He played for the U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team in March. With Picard and Adams making noise, we have seen the future.