Columbus Crew head coach Henrik Rydstrom has a blunt message for his team: it's time to stop being so nice. After watching his squad blow a 2-0 lead against Minnesota United on May 2, the first-year coach is calling for a major attitude adjustment—one that prioritizes grit over grace.

"We are too nice," Rydstrom said bluntly after the match. "If we're going to compete, we need to get meaner."

For a team built around technical skill and possession-based play, that's easier said than done. The Crew roster is filled with players who prefer to control games through passing and movement rather than physicality. But Rydstrom, a former midfielder known for his defensive toughness and relentless work ethic during his playing days, sees a glaring weakness that must be addressed before more leads slip away.

The collapse against Minnesota was a perfect storm of the Crew's biggest vulnerabilities: set pieces and adversity. After taking a commanding first-half lead, Columbus conceded three second-half goals—all from dead-ball situations, including two uncontested throw-ins and a corner kick. For Rydstrom, that's unacceptable.

"If you know a team is good on set pieces, then you don't give away throw-ins," he explained. "We give it up. We're so nice. We hand them the ball like, 'Here, you have it, throw it in, and then you can score.'"

The solution? Rydstrom wants his players to develop what he calls a "cynical" edge—not in the comedic sense of Seinfeld or Larry David, but in the way a seasoned defender knows when to foul, when to hold position, and when to make life uncomfortable for opponents. His version of "giving the ball away" involves "standing on their feet, at minimum."

But can you teach toughness to players who naturally lean toward finesse? Rydstrom believes you can change behaviors, even if personalities stay the same. He compares it to convincing kids to eat less candy: telling them it's bad for their teeth rarely works, but offering a motivational reward can shift habits. For the Crew, the "candy" is their tendency to be too accommodating on the pitch, and the "reward" is holding onto leads and winning games.

"I see a little bit of change there, but it's still not enough," Rydstrom admitted. "We are too nice. So if we're going to compete, that has to change."

For fans watching at home, this shift in mentality could be exactly what the Crew needs to transform from a talented but soft team into a legitimate contender. And for those looking to channel that same competitive fire, sometimes the right gear can help set the tone—whether it's a jersey that reminds you to play tough or boots built for battle. After all, looking the part is the first step to playing it.