Fresh off a Hell Is Real Derby victory that bumped the team back into a playoff position, the Columbus Crew returns to Lower.com Field on Saturday night when it faces the New England Revolution.
Three Things To Know
8 – The Crew’s current unbeaten run now rests at eight games thanks to the convincing 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati last weekend at Lower.com Field. During this streak, which dates back to late May, the Black & Gold have deployed multiple formations and personnel groups while still maintaining success on the pitch. “These guys are hungry, to not just be in the playoffs, but to get home games, hopefully,” head coach Caleb Porter said after beating Cincinnati. “So, we got to keep pushing. This league is so difficult, so tight. And we still are just scratching the surface of the team that we can be.”
4 – With four goals in his first three games with the Crew, what’s in store for Juan “Cucho” Hernández on Saturday night? His arrival into the team has helped Columbus produce its best performances to date. Against FCC, Cucho’s 16th-minute goal opened the scoring before Lucas Zelarayán converted a penalty in the second half. The South American duo have been lethal in front of goal since their first match together on July 9 at Chicago Fire FC. “We are all very happy that Cucho’s here and the way that he’s improved the team,” Zelarayán said. “We're excited that he has helped us re-encounter with goals and scoring goals and just overall he is a great addition to the squad.”
6 – Playing their second-straight match at home, the Black & Gold have an opportunity to both extend their unbeaten run and further secure their spot in the postseason. Yes, it’s a little early to talk playoffs – the Crew has only played 20 of its 34 regular-season games – but Saturday’s matchup is a scenario where the opposition is clipping at the club’s heels. Columbus is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 29 points from 20 games played. New England is 10th with 25 points, and a win for the Crew would extend the gap between the sides to seven points. A Crew loss would close the gap to two points. So long as the Crew maintains a playoff spot, these scenarios will only grow in importance as the team inches closer to the postseason.
When They Last Met
The Crew and Revs played to an entertaining 2-2 draw on May 8 at Gillette Stadium. Former Crew forward Miguel Berry opened the scoring before the Revolution rallied to take a 2-1 lead. Erik Hurtado then scored the equalizer in the 89th minute to secure a point on the road.
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Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew hosts New England Revolution
When: Saturday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lower.com Field
Tickets: Click here to purchase
How to Watch: Bally Sports Great Lakes, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ (Outside of Market)
How to Listen: 97.1 The Fan (English), ColumbusCrew.com (Spanish)
Current Standings: Columbus Crew – Sixth in Eastern Conference; New England Revolution – 10th in Eastern Conference
Bring your crew
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
