Orlando City host the Columbus Crew this Saturday night in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. Just five points separate the two clubs in the standings; and Orlando City has a game in hand over Crew SC.
Read below for a breakdown of City’s next opponent:
Recent Matches
Crew SC has been up-and-down in MLS competition during the summer months. In its last nine matches, Crew SC have a 4-4-1 record. Most recently, Columbus hosted Bastian Schweinsteiger and the Chicago Fire. After going down a goal in the first half, Columbus was able to level the scoreline before half-time and eventually go on to win the game 3-1 at Mapfre Stadium.
Who’s Hot
Forwards Ola Kamara and Justin Meram are the main goal threats for Crew SC. Both players scored against the Fire, and Meram was named to the MLS Team of the Week for his performance.
Kekuta Manneh has been making an impact for the Crew in recent weeks. The Gambia international is primarily used as an attacking midfielder, but often drifts out to either flank to influence the game. He scored his third goal of the season against Chicago on Saturday.
Who’s Not
Crew SC have been without designated player and star midfielder Federico Higuain in recent weeks. Higuain was sidelined with a right knee injury, and is listed as questionable for the match this Saturday. Crew SC would certainly miss his creative influence if he is unable to suit up at Orlando City Stadium.
Head-to-Head
Orlando City fell 2-0 to the Crew in the teams’ first meeting of the season back in April -- which was Orlando’s first road game of the season. The Lions created scoring chances and, for long periods of the match, controlled possession. However City were unable to find the back of the net and Justin Meram’s brace was enough for the Crew to seal the three points at home. Saturday night will be Crew SC’s first of two visits to Orlando City Stadium before the end of the 2017 season.
