After rolling past Loudoun United FC on Wednesday night in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the Columbus Crew returns to league action Saturday night when it hosts Orlando City SC at Lower.com Field for the annual On Our Sleeves Match.
Three Things to Know
6 – Let’s go back in time to the club’s last MLS match in late April. After the result against Inter Miami CF, head coach Wilfried Nancy said the Crew, with no league match scheduled the following weekend, was going to use the downtime for mental and physical rest. The primary reason? Because May was going to be hectic… And that’s a good thing. Thanks to the U.S. Open Cup win on Wednesday, that added another match to Columbus’ already condensed scheduled. Between now and May 31, the Black & Gold will play six matches during a three-week span. That’s a lot of miles, but for a team that utilizes its depth, it’ll be interesting to see how Nancy deploys lineups.
9 – Orlando City SC will visit the Ohio capital resting ninth in the Eastern Conference standings with 14 points from the opening 10 matches. For comparison, Columbus is sixth with the same number of points, but with a better goal differential. With two teams at level pegging, Saturday night should be an entertaining and open match. The Lions also played a midweek cup tie, losing to Charlotte FC on Tuesday night. While the Crew hopes to build on Wednesday’s win, Orlando is seeking its first MLS road win since Apr. 15.
250+ – Following the match Saturday night, the Crew will unveil the Central Ohio’s largest-ever drone show, as more than 250 drones will fly and display intricate designs as part of the post-match entertainment. The drone display will raise awareness of the importance of children’s mental health, as the On Our Sleeves themed game is presented by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Official Pediatric Mental Health Cause of the Columbus Crew. In addition to the display, Saturday will feature various matchday elements promoting the overall well-being of youth throughout the area and state. Throughout the day, the Crew, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Nationwide and Crew supporters will help break stigmas around children’s mental health, as well as raise funds in support of the cause.
When They Last Met
The clubs clashed in the final regular season game of 2022, as the Crew lost, 2-1, in Orlando on Oct. 9. With that result, the home side advanced into the postseason and Columbus missed out. When the teams last met on Ohio soil, the visitors won, 2-0, on Apr. 16, 2022, at Lower.com Field.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew hosts Orlando City SC
When: Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lower.com Field
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
How to Listen: 97.1 HD3/The Fan Stream, La Mega 103.1 FM
Current Standings: Columbus Crew – Sixth in Eastern Conference; Orlando City SC – Ninth in Eastern Conference
Single-Match Tickets
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
