Last time the Montreal Impact and Columbus Crew SC met, Justin Meram scored three in a thrilling 3-2 win. With Montreal visiting Crew SC and MAPFRE Stadium for the first time in 2017, Saturday's match should feature some twists and turns.
Here are the storylines we are keeping tabs on:
Long Time No See?
Columbus Crew SC are back home at MAPFRE Stadium to host the Montreal Impact, the two clubs second and final meeting of the 2017 regular-season. The Black & Gold currently hold an overall 7-5-3 record over the Impact.
The last time the two Eastern Conference clubs matched up, the Black & Gold rallied to take their Canadian counterparts for a 3-2 spin on May 13 at Stade Saputo off the back of a Meram hat trick.
Piatti, Party of Two.
Midfielder Ignacio Piatti is leading the Impact with most goals after finding the back of the net eight times this season. The 32-year-old Designated Player, who is known for his skills in creating and finishing opportunities, was named Montreal’s MVP in both 2015 and 2016. Within the past two seasons, he's netted 26 goals and added 14 assists. Piatti also found the back of the net in the 52nd minute in the first meeting with Crew SC this season.
Another player who could potentially make an impact is the recently acquired Swiss international midfielder, Blerim Dzemaili. He is a winner of two Coppa Italias, two Swiss league titles, two Swiss Cups, one Turkish league title and one Turkish Cup. Since joining the Impact in May, Dzemaili has made four starts but has proven himself valuable, especially when paired with Piatti. The two have combined forces to net seven goals and four assists so far.
See You REAL Soon.
Last season, Crew SC and the Impact met three times. The first meeting of the 2016 MLS regular season left the Crew SC at a 2-0 at Olympic Stadium on April 9. About a month later, the two Eastern Conference clubs exchanged blows to end in a 4-4 draw at MAPFRE Stadium on May 7. In their final meeting, on June 18, the two teams again ended in a draw at MAPFRE Stadium, neither team finding the back of the net.
Crew SC next plays the Montreal Impact at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, June 24 with a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Enjoy half-off select beers (for supporters ages 21-and-over), Pepsi products, brats and pretzels through the 15th minute.
concession items subject to change
The Black & Gold welcome German Bundesliga-side and DFB Pokal-finalist Eintracht Frankfurt to MAPFRE Stadium for an international friendly on Monday, July 17. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m.