Regular Season Record: 12-8-5
Points: 41
Goal Differential: 5
Western Conference Rank: 3rd
Total Shots: 223 (18th in MLS)
Last Five Matches: 2-3
Away Record: 3-6-3
MAPFRE Stadium is getting ready for national television as Columbus Crew SC prepares to host one of the top teams in the Western Conference, FC Dallas, at 7 p.m. Sunday.
As FC Dallas gets set to make its first appearance in Columbus since June 29, 2014, the club has experienced somewhat of a back-and-forth ride as of late. After surging through the Western Conference on a five-game winning run, Dallas went through a difficult month of August, losing three straight before snapping its losing skid with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake in Week 26.
Despite the ebbs and flows, Dallas currently ranks third in a tightly-packed Western Conference where only six points separate first and fifth place. As Dallas looks to attack the top of the West, Columbus won’t be the easiest place to start, historically speaking.
Overall, Crew SC maintains a slight advantage all-time against Dallas, playing to an 18-16-9 record, but the Black & Gold hold on to a considerable home-field advantage with a 12-4-7 record against FCD in Columbus. Sunday’s match marks the 44th meeting between the two clubs, as Dallas looks for its first victory at MAPFRE Stadium since October 6, 2007.
The statistics depict a well-balanced style of play for the visitors, predicated on creativity in the offensive third and an unforgiving backline. FCD has allowed the fewest shots on goal in MLS with 81 and is tied for third in the League in shutouts with nine. With 35 goals scored and 30 allowed, Dallas shares the League’s fourth-best scoring differential at +5.
As the season approaches the final two months of play, Dallas is tied with Sporting Kansas City for the fewest games played in the Western Conference. The fresher legs won’t last for long, though, as FCD begins to catch up schedule-wise, commencing September with three games in 12 days, starting in Columbus on Sunday.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Get your tickets here. Can’t make it to MAPFRE Stadium? Catch the action on Fox Sports 1, CD 102.5 FM or La Mega 103.1.
