The Black & Gold jumpstart their July fixtures on Saturday night when the New York Red Bulls visit Lower.com Field for the penultimate home league match before the Leagues Cup later this month.
Three Things to Know
5 – The Columbus Crew is fifth in the Eastern Conference and unbeaten in the club’s last five games. Now, attention turns to the second of two meetings with the Red Bulls this year. The Crew attack has been high flying as of late, and head coach Wilfried Nancy will be hoping that continues Saturday during another sold-out contest. The Crew leads MLS with a league-best 38 goals scored. Averaging two goals per game, Columbus is welcoming a New York side to the Ohio capital that is tied for the fewest goals scored in the Eastern Conference (17). The Red Bulls average less than a goal per game — but they’ve also only allowed 18, which is second-best in the conference.
7 – How about Christian Ramirez’s electric performances as of late. After joining the team ahead of the 2023 season, he’s up to seven goals and an assist in 15 league appearances so far. Ramirez is on pace to have his best MLS season yet, as his seven goals are a personal best since 2018 with Minnesota United FC and LAFC, when he had nine goals that campaign. With four goals in his last four games, his attacking emergence is delightful for Crew fans and potentially devastating to opposing backlines. Let’s hope that continues.
2024 – The biggest news of the week arrived Wednesday when MLS commissioner Don Garber was on hand to announce the 2024 MLS All-Star Game is coming to Columbus. Next year’s match marks the first time the All-Star Game has been played at Lower.com and the first time in Columbus since 2005. (Writer’s Note: I still remember attending that iteration of the game and watching Jeff Cunningham score twice to delight all the fans at Historic Crew Stadium.) With two Crew players participating in this year’s All-Star Game – Lucas Zelarayán and Aidan Morris – let’s see who represents the Black & Gold on home soil next season.
When They Last Met
The Crew lost, 2-1, on March 18 inside Red Bull Arena. That night, Alex Matan opened the scoring before New York added a pair of goals in the second half. Crew fans should remember the last meeting at Lower.com Field, though, when the club won, 2-1, on Oct. 2, 2022. Trailing 1-0 late in the match, Derrick Etienne Jr. scored against his old club in the 89th and 93rd minutes to keep postseason hopes alive.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew at Charlotte FC
When: Saturday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lower.com Field
Tickets: Let’s Be Massive
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
How to Listen: 97.1 HD3/The Fan Stream, La Mega 103.1 FM
Current Standings: Columbus Crew – Fifth in Eastern Conference; New York Red Bulls – 11th in Eastern Conference
Single-Match Tickets
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
