Fresh off the club’s highest scoring win in two decades, the Columbus Crew returns to Lower.com Field on Saturday night when the side hosts Western Conference foe Real Salt Lake.
Three Things to Know
6 – During his post-match interview following last Saturday’s 6-1 win against Atlanta United FC, head coach Wilfried Nancy said that seasons are like emotional roller coasters and it’s important to remain consistent, regardless of low points or very, very high ones. The Crew enter Saturday near the latter after a complete beatdown over the last opponent for the biggest win since 2003. But what impressed Nancy the most from the win wasn’t the number of goals scored – or even the young players seizing their opportunities. Instead, it was the relentless mentality that the Black & Gold displayed the full match. “We scored a lot of goals, yes, because we had a really good defensive mindset, and this is what I showed (the players during their film session),” the coach said. “The brain is the most important and they were able to stay focused on the task. They didn’t think about the score, they thought about what they have to do with the ball and without the ball.” If adversity strikes against RSL, can Columbus keep its strong mindset?
3 – Following the big win against Atlanta, Nancy said he always likes keeping the focus on the options he has available to him – not make excuses for any absences. This was in regards to a few injuries and three players away on international duty. The international players are back in the fold, however, as Eloy Room, Lucas Zelarayán and Miloš Degenek are back in Columbus. Zelarayán enters the match with two goals in 2023, while Degenek and Room have already earned a home clean sheet together. The Curaçao goalkeeper also earned Lionel Messi’s jersey following their friendly in Argentina on Tuesday night.
10 – Real Salt Lake sits 10th in the Western Conference with three points taken from its first four games. The upcoming visitors have lost three-straight games, with the most recent one being a 4-0 defeat against the MLS newcomers St. Louis CITY SC. RSL’s 26-year-old Homegrown defender Justen Glad leads his team with two goals through four games.
When They Last Met
These teams played to a scoreless draw in their last meeting on June 25, 2022 at American First Field. This is RSL’s first visit to Lower.com Field and first time playing in the Ohio capital since June 30, 2018. Then, the Crew won, 2-1, thanks to goals from Gyasi Zardes and Eduardo Sosa.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew hosts Real Salt Lake
When: Saturday, Apr. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lower.com Field
Tickets: Don’t Miss Out!
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; Atlanta United FC – 10th in Western Conference
Bring your crew
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
