Moreira discusses Columbus Crew’s latest win, why he is thriving in MLS

Columbus Crew and Cape Verde national team defender Steven Moreira was in the spotlight on Sunday as his well-taken equalizer inspired the Crew to a 2-1 comeback victory at St. Louis City in their Major League Soccer fixture.

Moreira, the reigning MLS Defender of the Year, leveled the match just before halftime to set the stage for a dominant second half that saw the Crew surge to victory. After the match, the 30-year-old spoke with MLS about the match and his role with the team.

A versatile defender who can play in the center or on the right flank, Moreira is thriving in a fluid system under acclaimed head coach Wilfried Nancy. Operating in a variety of roles including three-defender and four-defender systems under the tactically flexible French coach, Moreira explained to French outlet Onze Mondial why he enjoys the freedom he has when playing for the Crew:

Under coach Nancy, Moreira’s technical ability and combination of quickness and physical strength allows the French native to contribute in both defense and attack under Columbus’ progressive and modern system. In Nancy’s first year with Columbus, the Crew won the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs and continue to consistently be at the top of the table in the Eastern Conference.

The Crew are off to a great start early in the 2025 campaign, sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference with the second most points behind Western Conference side Vancouver Whitecaps. Moreira, with Columbus since arriving midway through 2021, continues to enjoy life in the United States and explained the differences between MLS and France’s Ligue 1 where had previously spent his career:

Moreira and his team will now prepare for their biggest match so far this season when they host an Inter Miami team led by Lionel Messi on Saturday. The Cape Verde international is set to play a big role and will embrace the matchup against Messi: “I can’t wait to face him…Messi doesn’t have an MLS (title)) but I do!”