Columbus Crew (3-2-1, 10 points) versus D.C. United (0-3-2, 2 points)
This weeks contest is Columbus Crew’s second week in a row facing off against the last place team in the Eastern Conference.
In addition, Columbus and D.C. already met this year.
That 3-1 win on March 24th for Columbus was in my opinion Columbus’s most comfortable win. The most optimistic point, in a soccer sense, for me so far this season.
Because of international duty with the United States, Columbus were without their captain (Wil Trapp) and goalkeeper (Zack Steffen) in that contest. Yet the Crew still cruised.
Even though last week against Chicago and this week against D.C. are on the road, if Columbus were to gain just a point or even worse a goose egg against two struggling opponents then it’s time to set the alarm bell.
The Crew were on a tear to begin the year gaining 10 out of the first 12 points.
They are now in danger of grabbing 0 or 1 points out of their next 9 available.
Rather typical Crew consistency.
Crewture’s projected Crew lineup:
This news story volunteered by Gregg Berhalter now isn’t likely on accident and because of what Jonathan Mensah costs in reality it’s one center back spot up currently between two players.
Not two spots up between three players. It’s cute to think but Mensah really has to mess up.
“We’re continuing to work with Jonathan on things to improve, but by and large he has been solid,” Berhalter said.
Therefore, I see Josh Williams getting the nod over Lalas Abubukar this week.
Abubukar has been as solid but they pay him less.
D.C. United projected lineup:
In a 1-0 loss, this is what D.C. United trotted out their last time on the field two weeks back on March 31st at Sporting KC:
D.C. will likely do similar in defense and up top.
However, could be a lineup spot or two different in midfield.
Crew will more than likely see Zoltan Stieber this time.
In the Crew’s last win over D.C. the Hungarian was on international duty.
Yet Stieber didn’t play in losses against Kazakhstan and Scotland. Puskas and the other magnificent Magyars are probably rolling around in their graves with those sort of results.
He returned from international duty in the March 31st game, but only received 13 minutes likely because of travel.
Patrick Mullins or even Ian Harkes could get a shout from Ben Olsen as well.
PREDICTION: Crew have to do what worked in the last D.C. game on March 24th, but do it just a bit better.
They must get three points this week.
Crew win 2-1. Goals by Zardes, Higuain. Mattocks for D.C.
Columbus Crew
DC United
