Columbus Crew SC (4-5-4) is back home for its fifth match in 16 days to host the Montreal Impact (3-4-2) Saturday night.
The Black & Gold have an impressive history with their Eastern Conference foes across the border. They are 6-2-1 in their overall meetings with the Impact, amounting to over 70 percent of possible points earned—their highest against any current MLS opponent (min. two matches played).
There’s also evidence that the club favors playing in front of a sea of Black & Gold. Crew SC boasts a perfect 5-0-0 record at MAPFRE Stadium against Montreal, where it has a plus-eight goal differential — tied in MLS for the best mark at home in with D.C. United.
Last season, Columbus went 2-1-0 against Montreal, winning its last meeting 2-0 at the end of September thanks to goals from midfielders Ethan Finlay and Federico Higuaín. Steve Clark also saved a Marco Di Vaio penalty kick to secure the shutout.
Another midfielder that’s been standing out for Crew SC is Mohammed Saeid. After leading the club in passing against Philadelphia with a rate of accuracy over 93 percent, he sits at second in the League among all players with 200 or more passes attempted.
Montreal’s midfield has also been generating its offense with Ignacio Piatti, Andrés Romero and Dilly Duka, accounting for over half of their squad’s goals this season with six.
On the road, the Impact channels its attack on the wings, sending the ball out wide. However, Montreal has yet to find the back of the net on the road, and sits as the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Currently ranking four spots above Montreal, Crew SC looks to improve its 4-1-1 home record Saturday night at MAPFRE Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
