Fresh off the massive win over Miami on Wednesday, the Columbus Crew returns to Lower.com Field on Saturday night in a rivalry matchup against Chicago Fire FC.
Three Things to Know
14 – The Crew is unbeaten in 14 of its last 15 games, which is the club’s best run of form since 2009. A streak that started in late May has continued into early September, and the Crew is hoping to earn a third positive result in the past eight days. Following the comeback draw at FC Cincinnati last Sunday, the Black & Gold then beat sixth-place Miami on Wednesday, thanks to a goal from Luis Díaz and a clean sheet from Eloy Room and the backline. On Saturday, Columbus has a chance to earn a season sweep against Chicago, which is ranked second-bottom in the Eastern Conference. If the Crew can earn three points against the Fire, last weekend’s Hell Is Real result will be even more impactful on the final Eastern Conference standings.
6 – And speaking of standings, yes, it’s time to start scoreboard watching. The Crew has seven regular-season games remaining, which means there’s a possible 21 left for the taking. But before looking too far ahead, it’s worth revisiting the club’s present scenario. Columbus is four points clear of eighth-place Cincinnati and has one more win. If the Crew win Saturday and Cincinnati doesn’t win at home against Charlotte FC, that gap will grow. But the Crew isn’t just worried about who’s seeded below. The team is six points away from fourth-place New York City FC, which has 45 points, but has played one more game. The fourth seed hosts a home playoff game, which is a very real possibility for head coach Caleb Porter and his players.
1.1 – The Fire enters Saturday night averaging 1.1 points per match this season and is winless in its last four games. On Wednesday night, Chicago produced a scoreless draw against ninth-place New England Revolution, which is four points below Columbus. At 13th place this season, the Fire isn’t exactly fighting for a postseason spot currently, but that doesn’t mean the visitors aren’t eager to spoil the Crew’s current form. It’s worth noting the Black & Gold are unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 against Chicago, which dates back to 2018.
When They Last Met
The last meeting was one of the most memorable Crew matches of 2022. Back on July 9, the Crew found itself trailing 2-0, at halftime inside Soldier Field. But in the second half, the Crew attack came to life. Juan “Cucho” Hernández made his debut and scored the game winner in the 83rd minute, but not before Derrick Etienne Jr. produced a brace within 12 minutes. The 3-2 win wasn’t just a great comeback – it was the embodiment of the Crew’s never-say-quit attitude this season.
Match Overview
What: Kick Childhood Cancer Night pres. by Vertiv. It is also a Crew and Crew 2 doubleheader.
When: Saturday, Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Lower.com Field
Tickets: Click here to purchase
How to Watch: Bally Sports Great Lakes, MLS LIVE on ESPN+
How to Listen: 97.1 The Fan (English), YouTube (Español)
Current Standings: Columbus Crew – Sixth in Eastern Conference; Chicago Fire FC – 13th in Eastern Conference
Bring your Crew
Secure your seat to cheer on your Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
