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Since the Columbus Crew resumed play following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Black & Gold supporters have been treated to plenty of firsts. Most of which focus on new signings making first appearances, first starts or by providing goal contributions. On Saturday night in Charlotte, a new “first” included Academy product and Homegrown signing Chase Adams. In his first MLS start, Adams became the Crew’s youngest-ever goal scorer in a league match when he nodded home a 41st-minute cross from Brooks Lennon (who had his first Crew assist.) “It's surreal. It's what I've been trying to get to since I've come to Columbus,” Adams said following a 3-1 loss to Charlotte FC. “Obviously, not being from here, being able to get trusted by the Club to move here and be able to grow as a player and as a person with them and being able to start was a moment I won't forget the rest of my life. And then being able to score as well, I don't know if something's going to top that, obviously. But unfortunate, I think the main goal for all of us, though, was the result before any other record. So, that's what I'm more focused on.” At 18 years and 120 days and, Adams also became the third-youngest player in club history to start his first regular season match. Danny Szetela was 17 years and 117 days, while Taha Habroune was 18 years and 68 days. Habroune, of course, also played in last night’s match and has 18 MLS appearances in 2026. “I don’t do any favors. Young or old, he deserved it,” interim head coach Laurent Courtois said of Adams’ first start. “The timing was right. He did what we know he can do. Congrats. Now, he needs to confirm.” The goal was the high point for the visitors. Conceding within the opening minute, the deficit doubled in the ninth minute via a penalty. But the Crew continued to play through the adversity before Adams scored his second goal across all competitions. Ultimately, a rotated squad made way for regular starters during the second half. Additionally, Josef Martínez made his debut for Columbus after joining this past week. “I have a very close connection with Josef,” Lennon said after the match. “We had a lot of goals and assists in Atlanta. We have a really strong connection on the field and as well off the field. He's a great guy and I've been in the league for a while, but I continue to learn from a guy like that, with all the success that he's had. “So yeah, he's a great friend of mine off the field, and like you saw tonight, we already had an instant connection. Unfortunately, he didn't score, but you know, I think that there's going to be a lot of service to him from me this season.” We’ll certainly see plenty of it in the coming weeks. The Black & Gold return to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Wednesday night when they host CF Montreal. Secure your spot. Beginning with Wednesday night’s game, the Crew play four matches in 11 days. Plenty plenty of roster movement since the season resumed, perhaps more “first” await.