Following Wednesday night’s Trillium Cup win over Toronto FC, the Columbus Crew return to Lower.com Field on Saturday night to host Orlando City SC. Claim your spot at this MLS Cup Playoffs rematch.
Numbers to Know
3 – The Black & Gold enter Saturday’s clash sitting third in the Eastern Conference standings with 53 points from 28 matches played. Because a postseason spot was secured last weekend in Cincinnati, the Crew have six regular-season games left to solidify a seed entering the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Columbus is two points behind FC Cincinnati but has played one less game, meaning the Crew could move into second play as early as Saturday night at the full-time whistle.
28 – Columbus has only allowed 28 goals through 28 games played, which leads the league and is the best start to a Crew season in Club history. As the only team allowing one goal per match, it’s worth noting the Black & Gold have just secured two clean sheets on the road at FC Cincinnati and Toronto FC. Additionally, the Crew currently possess an MLS-high +26 goal differential, which is on pace for an all-time team record.
4 – Orlando City isn’t a lightweight team. The Lions enter the match fourth in the conference, just behind Columbus. Having said that, there’s a 10-point gap and Orlando has played one more match. But City has produced a strong season and is virtually the same record-wise when playing on the road or in central Florida. With wins in three-straight matches, the visitors arrive in the Ohio capital in a good run of form.
10 – Looks like Crew supporters will have two Uruguayan No. 10’s to keep an eye on. Facundo Torres is the main attacking threat for Orlando and has 12 goals and five assists in 27 league appearances this season. Since joining City in 2022, he has 35 goals and 19 assists in 90 regular season appearances. A playmaker every time he steps on the pitch, he’ll have stiff competition against the best backline in MLS. Oh, and speaking of 10, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte just secured a 10th clean sheet in Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Toronto FC. That’s a career high and is tied for the most in the league this season.
When They Last Met
The Crew won, 2-0, in the last meeting on May 25, 2024 at Inter&Co Stadium. Diego Rossi scored both of the Columbus goals. These sides also met in the Eastern Conference semifinal last season, which the Crew also won, 2-0, in Florida. Christian Ramirez and Cucho Hernández bagged the goals, as the Black & Goal earned a road playoff win in extra time before beating Cincinnati in the conference final the next match. Columbus and Orlando drew, 2-2, in the last Lower.com Field meeting on May 13, 2023.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew hosts Orlando City SC
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lower.com Field
Tickets: Kick it with The Crew
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
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