Columbus Crew SC will welcome the LA Galaxy to MAPFRE Stadium this Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm. Here are some key facts to know ahead of Crew SC's only regular-season match-up against Los Angeles.
Crew SC looking for second consecutive win over Galaxy
Columbus Crew SC plays its 15th Major League Soccer regular-season match this year and its eighth at MAPFRE Stadium by hosting the LA Galaxy on Saturday, June 13. This is the only match between Columbus and LA this year. Historically, the series between Crew SC and the Galaxy has been relatively even, with the Black & Gold possessing a 16-14-9 record all-time against the Galaxy. Columbus is 9-4-5 in matches against LA in Columbus.
Last regular season meeting
On Aug. 16, 2014, Crew SC won the two sides’ lone meeting, defeating the Galaxy by a 4-1 final at MAPFRE Stadium. The Black & Gold had four different goal scorers as Justin Meram, Ethan Finlay, Ben Speas and Giancarlo Gonzalez found the back of the net in the Crew SC victory. The win was the start of a stretch that saw the Black & Gold win seven straight regular-season home matches, including six in a row to close-out the 2014 campaign.
MAPFRE Stadium to expand capacity for match
Crew SC announced that MAPFRE Stadium’s capacity will be temporarily increased for the match against LA in order to satisfy supporter demand. Bleacher construction on both the north and south ends of the stadium provides seating for up to an additional 700 ticketed patrons and the club will sell “Standing Room Only” seats if necessary.
Audi, Columbus Audi dealers partner with Black & Gold
Earlier this week, Crew SC announced that it has partnered with Audi and the Columbus Audi Dealers in a deal that sees their brand named the Official Luxury Automobile Partner of Columbus Crew SC. As part of the deal, the match against LA is presented by Audi in an exclusive title night opportunity. Representatives from Audi are set to participate in the coin toss and the ceremonial captain’s photo. The deal also sees MAPFRE Stadium’s VIP Terrace renamed as the “Audi Terrace.”
There's no place like home
Crew SC enters the weekend with a plus-seven goal differential at home. That number ties the Black & Gold with D.C. United for the best mark at home in the Eastern Conference. In seven home matches, the Black & Gold have recorded five multi-goal performances.
Late match heroics
Of the 103 goals that have been scored between Crew SC and the Galaxy when the two teams have met, 27 (26.2%) have come in the 76th minute or later.
On target
Last season, in Crew SC’s 4-1 win over LA, the Black & Gold recorded 12 shots on target. That total was the most the club recorded in any 2014 regular-season match.
Where to watch/listen
Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. ET start is available locally on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel. “Crew SC Matchday” on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel begins at 7 p.m. ET. Dwight Burgess, Neil Sika and Ashleigh Ignelzi are set to have the call of the match. A complete list of places to catch the Black & Gold on TV is available here. Fans can also listen to the match on the radio on Crew SC’s English-language radio partner CD102.5 FM or in Spanish on La Mega 103.1 FM.
