Columbus Crew SC officially controls its own playoff destiny heading into Saturday’s match at Montreal, as a win or draw against the Impact will guarantee a spot in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Black & Gold currently reside in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 48 points, one ahead of the Philadelphia Union and eight ahead of sixth-place Montreal.
Crew SC most recently defeated Montreal, 3-2, on March 10 at MAPFRE Stadium thanks to a brace from Gyasi Zardes and a conversion from Federico Higuain at the penalty spot.
It will be a tough task on the road in a playoff-like atmosphere for Crew SC, however, as Montreal will look to continue its consistent play following a 5-0 road setback last weekend at D.C. United.
At Stade Saputo, the Impact are 9-4-2 this season and 4-1-2 since July 12, having only given up five goals in those seven games. Meanwhile, Crew SC is undefeated in its last five matches versus Montreal, having won three straight including a 3-2 win at Stade Saputo on May 13, 2017, thanks to a hat-trick from Justin Meram.
Notably, Columbus has scored at least three goals in each of the last three regular-season matches versus the Impact and in four of the last five.
Kickoff for Saturday is slated for 3 p.m. ET. For information on how to tune in to Saturday’s potential playoff-clinching results, here are the ways to follow #MTLvCLB.
