STARTING XI | Tonight's lineup in first-ever meeting against Inter Miami CF

WELCOME BACK, MILTON VALENZUELA!

MIGUEL BERRY'S EFFICIENCY

Through 23 weeks of MLS regular-season action, forward Miguel Berry currently has the fourth-highest goals per 90 minutes ratio in the League (1.36). Berry has played 265 minutes this year for the Crew, scoring four goals - including two equalizers and one game-winning goal.

INCHING TOWARDS WIN NUMBER 100

Caleb Porter has won 97 MLS regular-season matches as a head coach and is only three away from becoming one of only 10 coaches to reach the 100 wins mark. 

CREW HOLDS ALL-TIME WINNING RECORD IN FIRST MATCHES AGAINST EXPANSION TEAMS 

Columbus Crew's road match against Inter Miami CF is set to be the first regular-season meeting between the two sides. The Black & Gold hold an all-time record of 9-4-6 in its first regular-season match against expansion clubs. 

ROOM MAKES 50TH APPEARANCE, START FOR CREW 

Goalkeeper Eloy Room recorded his 50th start for the Crew in Saturday's match against Orlando City SC. Since joining the Black & Gold during the 2019 regular season, Room has made 50 appearances (all starts) and has registered 13 shutouts. Last season, Room was voted the winner of the 2020 MLS Save of the Year presented by Allstate and was also a finalist for the 2020 Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. 

WILLIAMS MAKES 150TH REGULAR-SEASON APPEARANCE FOR CREW 

With his appearance as a substitute in Saturday's match against Orlando City SC, defender Josh Williams made his 150th regular-season appearance for the Crew. Williams has made 150 appearances (131 starts) for the Black & Gold while scoring nine goals and providing five assists during his two stints with the Club (2010-2014, 2017-present). In 2021, he has made eight regular-season appearances (six starts). 

CREW FACES MLS EXPANSION OPPONENT FOR SECOND TIME THIS SEASON 

Saturday's match against Inter Miami CF will mark the first time the two sides meet in regular-season action since Miami joined the League prior to the 2020 regular season. The contest is the second time this season that the Black & Gold face off against an MLS expansion side, having previously battled newcomer Austin FC to a scoreless draw at Q2 Stadium on June 27. 

LUCAS ZELARAYAN: THE FREE-KICK SPECIALIST 

With his free-kick goal against FC Cincinnati on August 27, Lucas Zelarayan brought his total to five free-kick tallies in 2021 regular-season action. Zelarayan’s five free-kick goals ties him with Sebastian Giovinco for second-most free-kick goals (five) in a single MLS regular-season since 2003*. Zelarayan is also tied with four other players for most free-kick goals in MLS since 2003, behind only Giovinco (14).