Michael Arace

@michaelarace1.bsky.social

744 Followers 64 Following

Sportswriter in Columbus. Proprietor, Disrespected Media LLC, which focuses on pro sports in Ohio's largest city. Visit thedisrespected.com to support independent, local media.

Firepit at midnight.
Hell is real anthem.
"Negotiations for the loan move of forward Gonzalo Tapia to Columbus Crew have lost momentum. ... Tapia rejects wage."
Columbus Crew lineup.
Issa Tall and Brais Mendez.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Jet Greaves to a three-year, $15 million contract ($5 million AAV) through the 2028-29 season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today. "Jet is a high-character, talented and athletic goaltender who has become an important part of our hockey club," said Waddell. "Our intent always was to get a deal done to ensure he remains a Blue Jacket and we are thrilled that we were able to do so." Greaves, 25, became the fifth goaltender in franchise history to win 25 games in a season in 2025-26 after finishing 26-19-9 with a 2.60 goals-against average (GAA), .908 save percentage (SV%) and two shutouts (SO) in 55 contests. He ranked sixth-T among NHL goaltenders in save percentage and seventh in goals-against average (min. 40 GP), minutes played (3,276:06) and saves (1,397). The 6-0, 188-pound netminder has posted a 36-28-11 record with a 2.61 GAA, .913 SV% and four shutouts in 76 career appearances with the Blue Jackets since making his NHL debut at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. He has gone 31-20-9 with a 2.44 GAA, .914 SV% and four shutouts in 61 games since Mar. 17, 2025, ranking third in the NHL in save percentage, fourth in goals-against average and sixth-T in shutouts among netminders with at least 50 games played during that span. Undrafted, he was originally signed as a free agent by Columbus on Feb. 20, 2022.
Crew lineup
Columbus Crew acquire defender Eric Bailly press release.
photo of new Crew assistant coach Shannon Murray.
A mug of beer.
COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have acquired Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from La Liga’s Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder – who will occupy an international roster slot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa – will be added to the Crew roster when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 13. His contract runs through the 2028-29 season with a Club option for the 2029-30 campaign. “We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skillset and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.” Méndez joins the Black & Gold after nearly a decade in Spain’s top flight, where he recorded 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches for Real Sociedad. Méndez helped the side qualify for the UEFA Champions League following the 2022-23 season. He appeared in seven matches and scored three goals in Champions League play, including the opening goal of a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan during his tournament debut on Sept. 20, 2023. Earlier this year, Méndez helped lead Real Sociedad to a Copa Del Rey title, capped with a win over Atletico Madrid in penalties (2-2, 4-3) on April 19. A Celta Vigo youth product, Méndez made his professional debut on Sept. 21, 2017, earning the start in a 1-1 draw against Getafe. He scored his first senior goal in March 31, 2018, notching the equalizer in the 92nd minute to help his side earn a point against Athletic Bilbao. He featured in 166 matches, amassing 22 goals and 18 assists before heading to Real Sociedad. After representing Spain at various youth levels, Méndez posted the game-winning goal in his senior international debut during a 1-0 friendly victory over Bo…
Statement from Don Waddell Earlier this spring, Zach and I met and talked about his future with the Blue Jackets beyond his current contract and he indicated that he wasn’t sure what the future would hold with regards to staying with the club or possibly moving on. During those discussions, we talked about me exploring opportunities to move him now and we all agreed if there was a deal to be made that I would bring it to him. We found something that would work for the club and took it to him. After some time and discussions with his family, Zach informed us that he didn’t want to leave Columbus. He has invested a great deal in this organization and after coming close and falling short the past two seasons, his desire is to win here and get this team back into the playoffs. The past two seasons have been very challenging ones, but also ones of growth for our team. Our goals from ownership on down and Zach’s goals are the same… to win now, return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and win a Stanley Cup. Our city and fans deserve nothing less and we are all on the same page working towards that end. Zach has been a very important part of this organization and our community for a long time, and we couldn’t be happier that he will continue to be moving forward. Statement from Zach Werenski Don and I have had very open and honest dialogue since the season ended. Ideally, this wouldn’t have become such a public thing but that is the world we live in now and everything got blown out of proportion in my opinion. I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus. As I’ve thought about things and discussed everything with my wife and family, we want to be in Columbus. It has been my home for the past 10 years and I have always been proud to be a Blue Jacket. We have the best fans in the NHL. I love my teammates and coaches and I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to get us back in the playoffs to compete for a Stanley Cup. Don and I are completely aligned on…
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed right wing Riley Bezeau to a one-year, two-way National Hockey League/American Hockey League contract for the 2026-27 season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today. “Riley is a physical and hard-working forward that competes every shift,” said Waddell. “He has earned his opportunity and we look forward to see his further growth in the Blue Jackets organization.” Bezeau, 24, has registered 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points with 244 penalty minutes in 131 career AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters and Charlotte Checkers since making his professional debut in 2022-23. Originally undrafted, he set AHL career highs with Charlotte during his rookie campaign, notching 5-3-8 and 84 PIM in 51 outings. He has added four goals in 15 career Calder Cup Playoff games. The 6-0, 187-pound forward tied his single-season career high in goals this past season with Cleveland, notching 5-2-7 with 74 PIM in 24 games played, ranking third-T on the team in penalty minutes. He also led the Monsters in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs with 39 PIM in eight games. A native of Mansfield, Massachussetts, Bezeau played junior hockey for the Saint John Seadogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2019-22, collecting 17-21-38 with 105 PIM in 93 career games. Serving as an alternate captain in 2021-22, he set QMJHL career highs with 11-16-27 and 83 PIM in 56 contests and helped the club win the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup championship in 2022 with 2-2-4 in five playoff games.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Ryan Lomberg to a two-year, $2.6 million contract ($1.3 million AAV) through the 2027-28 National Hockey League season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today. “We’re very pleased to add Ryan Lomberg to the Blue Jackets family,” said Waddell. “He is a high-energy player who is an excellent skater, plays with tenacity and his experience and character will be a great addition to our team.” Lomberg, 31, has registered 35 goals and 37 assists for 72 points with 475 penalty minutes, 807 hits and 465 shots on goal in 394 career games with the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers over eight NHL seasons. He registered 4-5-9, 59 PIM and 129 hits in 57 appearances with the Flames in 2025-26. He has added 3-0-3 and 64 PIM in 32 career playoff outings and helped the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup championship. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native signed an entry level contract with Calgary and skated in 11 contests with the club over two seasons from 2017-19. He registered 28-21-49 with 327 PIM and 535 hits in 246 games with Florida over four seasons from 2020-24. He set a career high in goals, points, penalty minutes and games played in 2022-23 with 12-8-20, 88 PIM in 82 outings. He then set a career high in hits the following campaign with 179 in 75 contests. The 5-9, 184-pound winger has added 49-60-109 and 365 PIM in 219 career games over five seasons in the American Hockey League with the Stockton Heat from 2015-20. He also recorded 18-17-35 and 48 PIM in 43 outings with the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder in 2015-16.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Pheonix Copley to a contract for the 2026-27 National Hockey League season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today. “Pheonix is a proven NHL goaltender who brings a strong work ethic, valuable experience and dependable depth to our organization,” said Waddell. “He is a great fit for our club, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the Blue Jackets.” Copley, 34, has posted a 44-17-8 record with a 2.85 goals-against average (GAA), .898 save percentage (SV%) and three shutouts in 78 career games with the Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues over eight NHL campaigns from 2015-26. He made one appearance with Los Angeles in 2025-26, posting a 3.07 GAA and .893 SV%.
COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have acquired defender Andrés Herrera from Argentina’s River Plate for an undisclosed transfer fee. Herrera – who has recorded 43 regular season appearances (29 starts) for the Crew while on loan the past two years – is under contract through the 2028-29 campaign with a Club option for the 2029-30 season. He will occupy an international roster slot and return to Columbus’ roster when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 13, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.
Michael Arace of TheDisrespected.com hosts ESPN's John Buccigross on ESPN on the latest episode of the Cannon Balls podcast. Bucci on the Zach Werenski situation: "I was pretty pissed."
COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have acquired midfielder Lautaro Giaccone from Argentinos Juniors of the Argentine Primera División via loan through June 2027, which includes a Club option for a permanent transfer. Giaccone – who will occupy an international roster slot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa – will be added to the Crew roster when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 13.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired right wing Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (43rd overall from St. Louis via Pittsburgh), and Columbus’s third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and fifth-round pick in 2028, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today. Nichushkin, 31, has registered 154 goals and 203 assists for 357 points, 112 penalty minutes, 41 power play goals, 24 game-winning goals and six shorthanded tallies with a cumulative +109 plus/minus rating on 16:25 of ice time in 627 career games over 11 NHL campaigns with the Avalanche and Dallas Stars. In 72 outings this past season, he collected 17-32-49, 26 PIM and was +9, while averaging 17:44 time on ice. "Valeri is a big, strong forward who skates exceptionally well, can score goals, win puck battles and doesn’t shy away from playing in the hard areas,” said Waddell. “He is an accomplished two-way player who competes at a high level and we are very excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family." The 6-4, 210-pound native of Chelyabinsk, Russia also has appeared in 91 career games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, tallying 28-15-43 with 26 PIM, six PP goals and four game-winners in nine postseasons. He racked up a career-high 9-6-15 in 20 games to help Colorado capture the 2022 Stanley Cup championship. Nichushkin (pronounced nih-CHOOSH-kihn) was selected by Dallas in the first round, 10th overall, at the 2013 NHL Draft. He tallied 14-20-34, 8 PIM and was +20 in 79 games as a rookie in 2013-14 and went on to notch 23-51-74, 22 PIM and a +13 plus/minus rating in 223 games with the Stars between 2013-19. During that time, he spent the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons playing with CSKA in the KHL.
Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell gives a non-definitive answer when he is asked whether Zach Werenski has asked for a trade. It's quite possible he hasn't asked. Yet.
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS ANNOUNCE 2026 PRESEASON SCHEDULE Club to also participate in Prospect Tournament from September 12-15 in Detroit, Michigan COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Columbus Blue Jackets will play a four-game preseason schedule, including two home contests at Nationwide Arena, prior to the 2026-27 National Hockey League season, the club announced today. Columbus will play a home and road series against the Detroit Red Wings as well as face the Buffalo Sabres (road) and Pittsburgh Penguins (home). The Blue Jackets' announcement of the team's 2026 preseason schedule is presented by Ticketmaster. Columbus will play its four-game preseason slate over six days from September 21-26. The club opens the schedule with a back-to-back set on Monday, September 21 against the Red Wings at Nationwide Arena before visiting the Sabres on Tuesday, September 22. The team will then host the Penguins on Thursday, September 24 and close out the schedule with a road contest at the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, September 26. All preseason games will start at 7 p.m. ET. The club's complete 2026-27 regular season schedule as well as ticket information will be announced at later dates. Columbus' complete 2026 preseason schedule can be found below (home games in bold): Monday, Sept. 21 vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m. ET Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 24 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 26 at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m. ET The Blue Jackets will begin preparations for the 2026-27 campaign at the
#USMNT goal vs. #socceroos celebrated at The Disrespected’s watch party/live Crewcible podcast at Bud’s Dairy Saturday afternoon.
USMNT-Australia pre-game live podcast of the Crewcible will begin at 2 p.m. It's streaming live at CBusSports.com
Picture of Mrs. Arace throwing a T-Shirt.
Budd Dairy Food Hall, site of today's live Crewcible podcast and #USMNT vs. #socceroos watch party.
‪Michael Arace‬ ‪@michaelarace1.bsky.social‬ · 22m Join me and two Columbus Crew legends - former New Zealand international Duncan Oughton and former U.S. international Frankie Hejduk - today for a live episode of The Crewcible podcast: #BuddDairyFoodHall at 2 p.m; watch party for #USMNT vs. #Socceroos starts at 3 p.m. #FIFAWorldCup #Crew96
Duncan Oughton, Michael Arae and Frankie Hejduk posing together at a bar.
Duncan Oughton and Frankie Hejduk will be joining us as guests for the Crewcible podcast today at 2 p.m. at Budd Dairy Food Hall.
Wait time increases at BMV. Ugh.
Wait time in line at Ohio BMV: 1 hr 15 min
USA vs. Australia World Cup watch party with a live podcast from Disrespected Media: Budd Dairy Food Hall, Friday afternoon, June 19. Be there!
A US fan watching the Americans beat Paraguay in World Cup action. He is wearing a jersy with "eighty-six 47" on the back.
Celebration at Budd Dairy after U.S. scores against Paraguay in the first game of Group D play.
The Disrespected and Budd Dairy Food Hall are teaming up for a World Cup event/watch party on Friday, June 19, when the U.S. Men's National Team plays Australia. It's a 3 p.m. kickoff. The Crewcible podcast will be on-site, recording pre-game with special guests. Budd Dairy -- located at 1086 N. 4th St. -- also has some things cooking. Put it on your calendar.
COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have signed defender Brooks Lennon via MLS Free Agency through June 2027, with Club options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons. Lennon is a 10-year MLS veteran after spending three seasons with Real Salt Lake (2017-19) and six with Atlanta United FC (2020-25). “Brooks is a proven MLS player whose versatility and skillset is a good complement to our roster,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. “He is a hard-working player whose professionalism and ability to impact the game in multiple ways will provide important depth and competition within our group heading into the remainder of the season.”
COLUMBUS - The Columbus Crew announced today the acquisition of a 2026 International Roster Slot from LAFC in exchange for defender Yevhen Cheberko.
COLUMBUS – Columbus NWSL 2028 today announced that applications are now open for the inaugural Fan Council, a community advisory group designed to ensure supporters have a meaningful voice in helping shape the Club’s identity, culture and fan experience ahead of its inaugural season in 2028. The Fan Council will serve as a collaborative body representing a broad range of perspectives across Central Ohio. The Club is seeking 15-20 community members whose experiences, backgrounds and connections reflect the diversity of Columbus and the rapidly growing women’s soccer and sports community. Representatives will provide input, share ideas and help inform key aspects of the Club’s launch as NWSL comes to Columbus. Interested candidates can apply here through Monday, June 29. When the application window closes, the Club will conduct a review and interview process before selecting the inaugural Fan Council members. The Fan Council will foster consistent two-way communication between the Club and community, identify opportunities to enhance the supporter experience and prioritize transparency and openness to best position women’s soccer for long-term success in the region. Applicants should be passionate about growing the sport and fan base with a commitment to representing the entire community over individual preferences. Individuals selected to join the Fan Council will have responsibilities to attend and actively participate in cadenced meetings, provide constructive feedback, emphasize an inclusive and welcoming environment and embody the Club’s mission to be leaders in providing exceptional fan experiences throughout and create a meaningful impact in the local community.
Picture of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman, who on Tuesday was named the winner of the NHL Norris Trophy for best defenseman.
Crew v Atlanta lineups.
The Fair Weathered playing American Girl.
Town Street party. Jenni’s Strawberry Jam.
Haslam Sports Group to name Tim Bezbatchenko President of Global Soccer Bezbatchenko, who possesses 17 years in soccer leadership roles and three MLS Cups, returning to oversee all current and future HSG soccer endeavors, including Columbus NWSL 2028 and the Columbus Crew
Crew Cat mascot.
Columbus Crew - NYCFC lineups for US Open Cup quarterfinal.
Henrik Rydström: “I’m grateful for this opportunity to coach the Crew and to have new experiences in Columbus and MLS. Improving is really important to me, as a coach and as a person. For the players, the Club and the supporters, I wish we could have done more of that on the pitch to start the season, and then things could have been different. I love football, and one of the best parts of the sport and also toughest things about it is sometimes things don’t go as you planned, and you have to make the best of it. We get better when we face these types of challenges, and that will be my focus. I thank the owners and leadership at the Club for the chance to coach this team and these players and for the respect they always showed me and my family, which is also really important. Thank you also to the supporters in Colum
Columbus Crew announce firing of Henrik Rydstrom. COLUMBUS - The Columbus Crew and General Manager Issa Tall announced today that Henrik Rydström has been relieved of his duties as head coach. Laurent Courtois has been named the Black & Gold's interim head coach. "We unfortunately have not capitalized on opportunities or produced the results that our Club and supporters deserve. We are confident that we have the talent on our roster to consistently compete for championships, and we believe this change best positions us to accomplish that goal with the number of matches we have left this season," said Tall. "We thank Henrik for his commitment to the Crew, and we expect a successful transition based on Laurent's familiarity with our Club, players and league." After Rydström was hired as the Crew's ninth full-time head coach on Dec. 31, 2025, the team started the 2026 season with a 3-7-4 record (13 points) and currently sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference and 26th in the MLS Supporters' Shield standings. The Crew have 20 MLS regular season matches remaining this year and stand only four points outside of playoff position. Courtois - who holds both a U.S. Soccer Federation Pro and UEFA 'A' coaching license - returned to the Crew on Jan. 13 as First Team Assistant Coach. He previously served as head coach of CF Montréal in 2024, leading the side to its first playoff berth since 2022. After originally joining the Crew in 2019 as Under-17 Academy head coach, Courtois was promoted to Crew 2 head coach in 2022 and earned the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro The Crew have also parted ways with Assistant Coach Theodor Olsson and Analyst Mak Pakhei.
Columbus Blue Jackets extend contract of veteran center Charlie Coyle. He gets a 6-year contract with a $6 million average annual value (AAV).
Owen, Timothy and Matthew, the erstwhile Reign of Terror, came out of the womb as Columbus Blue Jackets fans. Which is to say their fan-lives have been full of misery. Perfect for the Cannon Balls podcast.
Clip from the latest episode of the Cannon Balls podcast featuring the Reign of Terror.
Owen, Timmy and Matthew Arace, the so-called "Reign of Terror" on the Cannon Balls podcast about the Columbus Blue Jackets. New episode available at Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other pod platforms, including TheDisrespected-614 YouTube page.
My copy editor is an orange cat and I keep firing him for incompetence. In this photo, he is sleeping.
Sign that says, "ScottsMiracle-Gro Field"
Columbus Crew defender Malte Amundsen (calf injury) working out alone in corner of new Crew stadium.
Columbus Crew players warming up for training. Season-ticket holders watch from the stands.
COLUMBUS – Following Thursday’s Final Draw, U.S. Soccer announced today that the Columbus Crew will host their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals match against New York City FC at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be streamed live on Paramount+. The Crew advanced to the quarterfinals with 4-1 home win against USL League One side One Knoxville SC on April 29. Photo of Crew player Daniel Gazdag. General admission tickets to the contest are now available here for only $20 apiece. Crew Season Ticket Members can acquire tickets through their Account Manager for $15 each. With a win, the Black & Gold would advance to the semifinals on Sept. 15-16, when they would host the winner of the Orlando City SC-Atlanta United FC tilt. Based on the draw, this year’s Final would be in Columbus on Wednesday, Oct. 21, if the Club reaches the championship match.