The Crew get set to take on the expansion side, Austin FC, for the first time, with kickoff tonight scheduled for approximately 8:25 p.m. ET on FS1 and 97.1 FM The Fan.
TONIGHT'S XI
CREW HOLDS WINNING RECORD IN FIRST MATCHES AGAINST EXPANSION TEAMS ALL-TIMEÂ
Columbus Crew's road match against Austin FC is set to be the first regular-season meeting between the two sides. The Black & Gold holds an all-time record of 9-4-5 in its regular-season match against expansion clubs. Notably, an expansion side has defeated a defending MLS Champion only four times since 2005, with LAFC being the last team to do it, defeating Toronto in 2018.
MOLINO COMING OFF FIRST REGULAR-SEASON START FOR THE CREWÂ
Kevin Molino made his first regular-season start for the Crew in Wednesday's match against the Philadelphia Union. Molino has made two appearances (one start) since signing with the Black & Gold as a free agent on January 7, 2021. He appeared for 45 minutes in Wednesday's match and completed 19 of 23 passes.
VALENZUELA RETURNS FROM INJURY ABSENCEÂ
Columbus Crew defender Milton Valenzuela made his first appearance since missing seven matches to injury during Wednesday's road contest against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine entered the contest against Philadelphia as a substitute for Alex Matan in the 60th minute. In his 30 minutes on the pitch, Valenzuela made 36 touches for the Club.
