Adjusting to life without a prolific striker is one of the hardest things to do. Especially when they are a fan favorite. That’s what Columbus Crew has to do after the Crew traded away Gyasi Zardes to the Colorado Rapids.
Now, the Black & Gold are looking to get their first three points since their 2-1 win against Toronto FC.
Match Preview: Columbus Crew vs D.C. United
The Crew are hosting an MLS original in D.C. United for the first time this season.
After securing a point on the road against Sporting Kansas City to end their three-game losing streak, the Crew are looking to rebound with this matchup on the weekend. Columbus will need to take advantage of the plethora of absent players on the United squad, and hope that they can get back three of their difference makers in Lucas Zelarayan, Luis Diaz, and Milos Degenek to amplify the chance of a win.
“Milos likely not,” Porter said when asked about Degenek featuring this game. Porter also said that Lucas could feature off of the bench, but a further evaluation would be needed in order to make a solid decision.
D.C. United, however, are riding off of a 3-2 win over the New England Revolution with Taxi Fountas notching two goals and an assist in his debut for the four-time MLS Cup Champions.
The visitors hold a 38-11-34 (W-T-L) over the Black & Gold, but come into the matchup holding a 3-1 loss to the Crew the last time they last year.
“They’re pretty much the same team. They added Fountas obviously which is a big add,” Porter said. “Same kind of verticality, the way they play with the pressing; They played a little conservative and more compact. [D.C.] is pretty compact, pretty direct, tough to break down when they drop into that 5-4-1.”
Injuries & Suspensions
Columbus: Kevin Molino (R Knee) is still listed as OUT. Lucas Zelarayan (R Knee), Luis Diaz (Back) and Milos Degenek (L Thigh) are all listed as QUESTIONABLE.
D.C. United: Adrien Perez (Foot), Moses Nyeman (Thigh), Chris Odoi-Atsem (Ankle), Bill Hamid (Thigh), Andy Najar (Thigh), Nygel Robertha (Head) are listed as OUT.
