Story of the Match
This Saturday night, Columbus Crew hosts D.C. United in an Eastern Conference clash at Lower.com Field. Both teams are looking to build momentum in the young MLS season.
Columbus Crew come into the weekend in good form, boasting a 3-1-2 record in the conference. Cucho Hernandez, the Crew’s leading scorer this season, has missed his side’s last two matches for “team policy” reasons according to manager Wilfred Nancy. Heading into the weekend, there are question marks surrounding whether the 2024 MLS Cup MVP is expected to return to action.
The Black-and-Red, meanwhile, will be looking to break a three-game road draw streak. Despite the draws, D.C. United sit two points behind Columbus in the standings. Columbus holds 11 points while D.C. United's record of 2-1-3 have earned them 9 points, good for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
One of the many bright spots for D.C. United early on this season has been the play of goalkeeper Alex Bono. The 29-year-old is coming off his second clean sheet of the season and has made an impressive 24 saves so far, second among MLS goalkeepers.
By the Numbers
- Midfielder Matti Peltola is averaging a team-high 3.4 successful tackles per 90 minutes and is ranked first in MLS in tackles won with 16.
- The Black-and-Red are ranked 6th in MLS with 5.5 shots on target per match; the Columbus Crew are ranked 18th with 4.3 shots on target per match.
Previous Matchups
D.C. United’s record against Columbus in regular season match ups: 32-34-12 with 109 goals for and 118 goals against.
Pedro's Match-Winning Strike:
