Picture Credits: Columbus Crew (@ColumbusCrew)
Columbus will look to end their two game skid, and right the ship Saturday night as they welcome Orlando City to Lower.com Field on youth night. Orlando City is coming off a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire, with Ercan Kara scoring the game winning goal for Orlando City.
How To Watch
Where: Lower.com Field
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: Bally Sports Ohio
Last Matchup
The last time these two teams met, Columbus snatched all three points in a thrilling 3-2 win at Lower.com Field that kept the playoff hopes alive for the Crew. Miguel Berry, Lucas Zelerayan and Derrick Etienne Jr all scored for the Crew in this match.
Injury Report
Columbus
OUT: Kevin Molino (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE: NONE
Orlando City
OUT: NONE
QUESTIONABLE: Michael Halliday (Thigh)
Predicted Starting XI
Keys To The Match
Limit Mistakes
This is something that has plagued the Crew both last season and to begin this season. They are not really making teams beat them; they are beating themselves. Last game was a prime example, with an Eloy Room mistake the difference between the two teams. If Columbus can limit the amount of mistakes they make, and give Orlando City no critical errors, then Columbus should get all three points. It is key to note that the Black and Gold have only conceded ONE goal through the run of play this season, which came in their 1-0 loss to Nashville two weeks ago.
Score
Normally I would say that Columbus need to get an early goal, which is still true. But after being shutout in back-to-back games, the Crew just need to put the ball in the back of the net. Columbus is a team that is built to play with leads, not play chasing a game. Miguel Berry or Gyasi Zardes, whoever starts tomorrow, needs to end not only the teams scoring drought, but their own scoring droughts.
Keep Being Solid Defensively
I think this is pretty self-explanatory. Columbus is very good defensively. Their biggest downfall is the mistakes they make, which was mentioned before. Also mentioned before, Columbus has only conceded one goal through the run of play, which is impressive six games into the season. Milos Degenek has been superb since coming to Major League Soccer, and he looks to continue that going into Saturday night.
Prediction
This is going to be a very tough match. Orlando City, though they do not have the likes of Nana or Daryl Dike anymore, are still very scary with Alexandre Pato leading the line. With that said, I do think Columbus squeak out a 2-1 win, but only with the help of goalkeeper Eloy Room, who will once again prove his worth to this Columbus team.