Columbus Crew SC will be home again on Saturday, hosting fellow MLS original, D.C. United, for the first of two regular-season meetings. Before kickoff at 7:30 p.m., here are three things to know about United.
Offensive depth
Scoring for United has been widespread this season. Forward Alvaro Saborio leads D.C. with four goals, but he's followed by Lamar Neagle, Patrick Nyarko and Fabian Espindola — who have contributed consistently strong performances with three goals apiece. Needless to say, D.C. looks to use its many options in every goal-scoring opportunity.
Birnbaum is back
D.C. defender and USMNT member Steven Birnbaum recently returned from Copa America Centenario duties — playing his first full 90 for D.C. on July 10 against the Philadelphia Union — since leaving in May. Prior to Copa, Birnbaum started and played the full 90 in 11 of D.C.’s first matches. With him on the field, D.C has secured four shutouts so far this season. With the potential of Birnbaum being on the pitch again on Saturday, he is someone the Black & Gold will have to keep an eye on.
Chip on their shoulder
Last time D.C. United came to MAPFRE Stadium — back on October 25, 2015— the Black & Gold dominated United in one of the best performances of 2015. D.C. was shutout, 5-0, by Columbus and United dropped from second to fourth in East standings on #DecisionDay. As a result, D.C. was forced into a Knockout Round match against the New England Revolution with the chance to advance in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs on the line. There is no doubt United comes to Columbus looking for redemption after that last meeting.
