Crew supporters, regular season matches don’t come any bigger.
On Wednesday night, the Columbus Crew host Supporters’ Shield leading Inter Miami CF in a massive midweek matchup at Lower.com Field to potentially determine the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Avoid FOMO and come see history.
Numbers to Know
2 – Thanks to the draw at D.C. United on Saturday – and FC Cincinnati losing at home to LAFC – the Crew sit second in the Eastern Conference with four games remaining in the 2024 MLS regular season. The Black & Gold have 57 points through 30 games played – eight back of first-place Inter Miami. However, the Crew have played one fewer match. So, a win Wednesday night – plus the game-in hand – and suddenly there’d be a two-point gap with a couple matches to go before the postseason. The focus for the Crew has varied based on the different competitions the side has played in this season, so perhaps the Supporters’ Shield has quietly been an afterthought. Make no mistake: It isn’t and Columbus has a chance to win it.
57 – With 57 points from 30 games, Columbus has already tied the club record for most points in a single season. And with four matches to go, we can certainly expect that record to be broken as soon as Wednesday night. This has been a remarkable season, buoyed by a fantastic road record, a stout backline, and, as always, a top attack. The Black & Gold have earned at least a point in 13 of 16 road matches in 2024, and the 26 points to date is a team record. Oh, and Columbus has allowed 33 goals, tied with 2004 for the second-fewest through 30 matches in club history (31, 2009).
1 – Inter Miami enters the midweek clash atop both the league and Eastern Conference. Miami has 65 points from 31 games. Including Wednesday, the Herons have three regular-season matches left. Miami also leads the league in scoring with 69 goals – Columbus is second with 60. In short, these are two prolific attacks kicking off in a Leagues Cup knockout match rematch. Miami enters the game having drawn, 1-1, at home against Charlotte FC. The Floridian club has actually drawn three-straight games in league play and hasn’t won since Sept. 14 at the Philadelphia Union. With this in mind – and knowing how Lower.com Field has been a fortress for the Crew under Wilfried Nancy – Miami is about to play its biggest match to date in the hardest place to play in the Eastern Conference. Bring the noise, Crew fans.
10 – Perhaps you’ve heard of Lionel Messi. At 37 years old, he’s continued to showcase why he’s one of the greatest player of all time. The World Cup winner has 15 goals and 15 assists in 16 league appearances this season. Yes, he’s averaging a goal or an assist in essentially every game he plays. However, he’s never played the Crew, and he’s never played a game in Columbus. He missed the 2024 MLS All-Star Game in July due to an injury, which also knocked him out of the last meeting between the clubs at Lower.com Field. Do not miss the chance to witness his side clash agasinst the reigning league and Leagues Cup champions with massive Supporters' Shield implications.
When They Last Met
No biggie, but the last matchup was one of the best games of the season – to date. On Aug. 13, the Black & Gold beat Miami, 3-2, at Lower.com Field in the Leagues Cup Round of 16. Miami held a two-goal lead before Columbus rattled off three-unanswered goals to advance into the quarterfinals and ultimately win Leagues Cup. Christian Ramirez scored in the 67th minute before Diego Rossi scored two minutes later, then again in the 80th. It was epic, and all signs point to Wednesday being the same.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew host Inter Miami CF
When: Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
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
