Picture Credits: Columbus Crew
Saturday is not just a big game for the Columbus Crew, but it is also a big day for the Columbus Community. Saturday represents much more in a campaign that the Crew teamed up with Nationwide Children's Hospital. Saturday night will be "On Our Sleeves" day, a campaign set up to help bring awareness to children's mental health. Following the first team match, Columbus Crew 2, the franchise's MLSNext Pro team will be facing off against Toronto FC II for the first time at Lower.com Field.
How To Watch
TV: UniMas, TUDN, Twitter
WHERE: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
Last Time Out
Columbus
The last time the Crew played is a game to forget. Albeit, they lost 2-0 to the defending MLS Cup Champions, but they did so without earning a shot on target. If Columbus wants a chance to beat LAFC Saturday afternoon, they will need to get shots on goal, and plenty of them.
Los Angeles Football Club
LAFC is sort of at a disadvantage heading into this game. They played against a good Austin FC team Wednesday night, and will only have two days rest in between the Austin FC and Columbus game. Wednesday night, LAFC lost 2-1 to Austin FC at Banc of California Stadium. Carlos Vela scored the lone goal for LAFC, but it would not be enough.
Picture Credits: Columbus Crew
Injury Report
Columbus
OUT: Kevin Molino (Knee)
QUESTIONABLE: Marlon Hairston
LAFC
OUT: Erik Dueñas (L Knee) Julian Gaines (Pelvis) Ryan Hollingshead (R Knee) Eddie Segura (R Knee)
QUESTIONABLE: N/A
Projected Starting XI
Keys To The Match
Shots On Target
You are probably tired of hearing that Columbus did not get a single shot on target in their 2-0 loss to NYCFC. But, you can't win games if you cant score. It was also the fifth time this season they have been shut out. Having a week off, and LAFC coming off only two days of rest, Columbus should be much fresher, and should, in theory, play into the Crew's hands. Only time will tell.
Winning The Midfield
There is such a difference when Aidan Morris is in the midfield. I think he and Darlington Nagbe are the starters in the middle of the park going forward. He is the presence that the Crew needs in the middle of the park. If Columbus can win the midfield battle, they should be just fine.
Prediction
Columbus is playing for a cause this weekend. The "On Our Sleeves" campaign will prove to be very special and help the Crew through the match. Plus, with LAFC on short rest, Columbus should be buzzing. But the fact remains that they struggle to score goals, and until they can consistently score goals, I will be hesitant to predict them to win, which is why I am going with a 1-1 draw.
COLUMBUS 1-1 LAFC