Fresh off a massive 5-1 win over LAFC this past weekend in an MLS Cup rematch, the Columbus Crew return to Lower.com Field on Wednesday night to host Charlotte FC in a midweek matchup. Claim Your Spot.
Numbers to Know
3 – The hottest team in MLS is third in the Eastern Conference standings with 42 points from 21 league games played. But more importantly, Columbus has earned five-straight wins, outscoring opponents, 20-2, during that spell – the best run in Club history. The Crew have won nine of their last 10 MLS games and enter their penultimate match before the Leagues Cup break running full throttle. This past Saturday was supposed to be a meeting between two of the league’s best, and one side was played off the pitch. This is not to say that the Crew should be too confident, but all signs point to head coach Wilfried Nancy’s men continuing this prolific summer charge.
20 – The Crew’s 20 goals in the last five games are a team record and one of the best runs for any club in league history. But it’s also been a collective effort. So much has been made of the attack, and deservingly so. But the Crew boasting the best backline in MLS has also assisted. Not only have opponents been kept quiet, but many of the club’s 20 goals have been built from the back. The attacking trio of Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and Christian Ramirez might lead the scoring stats, but it’s taken all 11 players – literally – to produce this recent offense run.
6 – Charlotte FC arrives in the Ohio capital sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference with 35 points from 22 league matches. The midtable spot is where this club belongs, as it’s had a mix of good and bad results. For example, this past weekend, Charlotte beat Supporters Shield-leading FC Cincinnati, 3-1 at TQL Stadium. However, the side lost to Inter Miami CF and Houston Dynamo FC in the two previous matches. Given how Columbus has played in recent weeks, this midweek match feels like the game will be dictated by the Black & Gold instead of what the opposition brings to Lower.com Field.
33 – Crew supporters should keep an eye on Charlotte forward Patrick Agyemang, a 23-year-old who’s in his second MLS season. Agyemang isn’t a household name, but he leads Charlotte with six goals and three assists through 21 league appearances. He didn’t play in the win against Cincinnati, but the forward has three goals in his last three appearances.
When They Last Met
It was weird, honestly. Nancy missed the match and two Crew players were injured in the opening minutes. There was also a red card, some VAR and a whole bunch of adversity. Anyway, the Crew lost, 2-0, on March 23 on the road. Let’s see what happens in the friendly confines.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew host Charlotte FC
When: Wednesday, Jul. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Lower.com Field
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
How to Listen: La Grande 102.5 FM | Alt 105.7 FM | iHeart Radio app
