TONIGHT'S STARTING XI
CREW SC TO PLAY THURSDAY’S MATCH AT MAPFRE STADIUM WITHOUT FANS IN ATTENDANCE
On Monday, Crew SC announced that fans will not be permitted to attend the Crew’s first “Return to Play” match, against the Chicago Fire on Thursday, August 20. Additionally, the parking lots at MAPFRE Stadium will be closed to supporters for this match. The Club will make an announcement at a later date when it knows more regarding its potential ability to allow supporters at future Crew home matches in Phase 1, including against the Philadelphia Union (September 2) and FC Cincinnati (September 6).
CREW SC HOSTS MATCH AT MAPFRE STADIUM FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2020 OPENING MATCH ON MARCH 1
Thursday's match at home against the Chicago Fire marks the first regular-season match played at MAPFRE Stadium for Crew SC since the Opening Match against New York City FC on March 1. The Black & Gold defeated New York City FC 1-0 behind a Lucas Zelarayan goal in the 56th minute and an Eloy Room shutout. Crew SC then traveled to Seattle Sounders FC, earning a point after a 1-1 draw behind a Gyasi Zardes goal in the 33rd minute. The Black & Gold's next match at home against Real Salt Lake, scheduled for March 14, was postponed and then canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the break in play for the entirety of Major League Soccer.
CREW SC UNDEFEATED THROUGH FIRST FIVE REGULAR-SEASON MATCHES FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2010
Through five matches in the 2020 MLS regular season, Crew SC is undefeated with a record of 4-0-1. This season, the Black & Gold have defeated New York City FC 1-0 during Opening Match (March 1), before earning a point in a 1-1 road draw against 2019 MLS Champions Seattle Sounders FC (March 7), winning against FC Cincinnati 4-0 (July 11), defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-0 (July 16) and most recently defeating Atlanta United 1-0 (July 21). The last time Crew SC began the regular-season undefeated in its first five matches was 2010, when the Black & Gold started with a record of 3-0-2.
ZARDES IN 2020 REGULAR-SEASON GOLDEN BOOT RACE
Forward Gyasi Zardes remains in contention for the 2020 MLS regular-season Golden Boot award, as he is tied for third with Orlando City SC's Chris Mueller - both netting four goals each.
CREW SC ONLY CLUB TO WIN THREE MATCHES OF MLS IS BACK TOURNAMENT GROUP STAGE
During the MLS is Back Tournament, Crew SC was the team to win all three of its Group Stage matches. The Group Stage matches of the tournament counted towards the 2020 MLS regular season, with the Crew earning the maximum possible nine points. The Black & Gold also led all teams competing in the Group Stage of the MLS is Back Tournament in Goal Differential, finishing with (+7).
BLACK & GOLD ONLY CLUB TO POST THREE SHUTOUTS DURING MLS IS BACK TOURNAMENT GROUP STAGE
In addition to being the only club at the MLS is Back Tournament to win all three Group Stage matches, Crew SC's shutout win over Atlanta United also made them the only club to not concede a goal during the Group Stage. The Crew's clean sheet against Atlanta United (July 21) was the Club's third consecutive shutout, dating back to a regular-season match against FC Cincinnati (July 11). Additionally, the last regular-season goal Crew SC allowed from open play was against Vancouver Whitecaps FC last year in a 1-1 draw on September 21, 2019.
CREW HOLD SECOND BEST POINTS RECORD IN MLS IN LAST 18 REGULAR-SEASON MATCHES
Over its last 18 regular-season matches, Crew SC has posted a winning record of 9-2-7, amassing 34 points. Over that span, only one MLS team has posted a better record: Los Angeles FC (9-1-8, 35 points).
