Columbus Crew vs. D.C. United: Preview, time, and how to watch
Fresh off a home win against CF Montréal, D.C. United looks to continue its winning ways on the road against the Columbus Crew.
Head coach Troy Lesesne is laser-focused on ensuring he makes the most of the roster he has, so while the Black-and-Red still lacks some depth, don’t expect to see his high expectations dip.
While the Black-and-Red pulled out an impressive 2 xG in the first 45′ against Montréal, Lesesne says he wants to “challenge our group on, materializing those into actual goals. Expected goals and actual goals are sometimes two different stories. But I do think the story is we are generating chances, we are finishing some, and we want to finish many more in order for us to secure more three point results.”
D.C. United will have their work cut out for them tonight. The 2023 MLS Champions sit at a comfortable third place in the Eastern Conference and have been performing well, with only one loss this season – to Charlotte FC. Columbus remains undefeated at home this 2024 season.
Will the Black-and-Red be able to break the Crew’s perfect home record? Make sure you’re watching tonight and find out!
Check out what head coach Troy Lesesne had to say in the pre-game press conference.
Hear Ted Ku-DiPietro’s take ahead of tonight’s Columbus matchup.
Key Player: Christian Benteke
Benteke leads D.C. United in scoring and brings a clinical focus to the Black-and-Red’s attack. The striker’s experience serves as a tempering force, keeping the team from getting too far into their heads when the match isn’t going their way. We’ve seen Benteke shake off both bad plays and bad calls to come back and score decisive goals for D.C. United, and let’s be real, that’s the energy we want to see!
Watch Out For: Cucho Hernandez
While the Crew’s leading scorer has missed the last two matches for undisclosed “team policy” reasons, he is expected to be available and back on the pitch tonight. Should Hernandez land in the XI or the 18, the Black-and-Red can expect him to generate trouble for the defense.
Previously: D.C. United and Columbus Crew last met on April 8, 2023, at Audi Field. Columbus bagged all three points, scoring two goals and keeping a clean sheet.
Columbus Crew Availability:
Out: Christian Ramirez (thigh), Sean Zawadzki (head)
Questionable: Rudy Camacho (groin), Alex Matan (thigh)
D.C. United Availability:
Out: Steven Birnbaum (knee), Russell Canouse (not due to injury), Nathan Crockford (head)
Questionable: Tyler Miller (shoulder), Garrison Tubbs (thigh)
Location: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
Kickoff time: 7:30 pm ET
Referee: Pierre-Luc Lauziere
Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
A tie is like…
Getting a point on the road is always good, and better still in Columbus…but, of course, not being able to close out a game with a man advantage… We’ve seen that script before, but this is a different team I don’t want to sell the players short, but the team is playing better than the sum of its parts. At least, in terms of results.
McVey and Bartlett are a terrific combination. Totally unexpected. Herrera is even better, and I always had a good feeling about Antley (Lesesne knew what he was getting). That back line is solid, and so is Bono. But the attack lacks that sort of organization, and is very lacking in quality except Benteke. I can’t wait to see what this team might look like when McKay and Lesesne have soem time to rework the roster.
While disappointing, a tie on the road is good. Against Columbus, it’s great.
That goal by Morris–the team was tired, the midfield didn’t step out to challenge him/deny him time and space. And then they screened Bono so he moved late on a well-hit ball.
Whoever posted that with this team, the sum of the whole exceeds the sum of the parts is so right.
Pirani
Stood and watched
If you told me we could go to Columbus and get a point, I’d take it every time.