Written By Devin Weisbarth
Columbus will close out there three-game MLS homestand with the LA Galaxy in a midweek clash of MLS originals Wednesday night at Lower.com Field. Columbus is winless (0-2-2) in their last four games, including three of them at home.
Last Results
Columbus Crew 2-2 Orlando City
LA Galaxy 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Head-to-Head
This will be the first meeting between Columbus and the LA Galaxy in over four years, and the first trip to Lower.com Field for the Galaxy. The last time these two teams met was in May of 2019, resulting in a 3-1 win for Columbus at Historic Crew Stadium. Columbus is unbeaten (3-0-2) in the last five home meetings with LA.
Injury Report
Milôs Degenek will be out 3-6 weeks after suffering an achilles injury. Luis Diaz and Kevin Molino both trained with the team on Monday, as they work back from injury. Will Sands and Eloy Room are also both out, while Josh Williams is doubtful. Molino and Diaz are questionable, though are doubtful to play.
Projected Lineup
Columbus will be without Degenek for at least the next three weeks. His leadership was missed on Saturday in the 2-2 draw with Orlando. Also, Lucas Zelerayan should be back in the lineup, after he did not play Saturday to allow for additional rest during a busy part of the schedule. Also, don’t be surprised to see some rotation with the big Hell is Real Derby coming on Saturday.
What to expect from Columbus
Once again, the Black and Gold started the game against Orlando slowly. However, they took control of the game, and practically dominated the first half on Saturday en route to a 2-0 lead heading into halftime. Expect the Crew to be more clinical in front of net, as head coach Wilfried Nancy said that would be his message following the Orlando game. “We have to go through the process to get better”, Nancy said about allowing Orlando back into the game Saturday. “We didn’t [tie] because of the way we attacked”, Nancy said about his offense on Saturday.
Columbus will look to end the winless streak against an LA Galaxy team that has not been good on the road. Wednesday’s game may be more important than Saturday, as it will boost the team’s confidence heading into Cincinnati on Saturday.
LA Galaxy Scouting Report
The Galaxy are winless (0-4-2) in their last six away matches, dating back to last season. With this being a midweek game across the country, expect a rotated squad for Wednesday. Coming off a 2-1 win in the Cali Clasico on Sunday. Martin Caceres and Dejan Joveljic both scored, bfore San Jose scored a 90+4’ consolation goal.
LA outshot San Jose 17-8 including 5-3 shots on target. They also had 56% of the possession, and threatened multiple times.
Keys to the match
Columbus will have to be solid at the back
Something that has plagued the Black and Gold the last couple of weeks has been the consistency at the back. Not having Milôs Degenek or Josh Williams has been a difference maker for the Crew. Schulte has played well for a majority of the season and will have to continue to be in order to return to winning ways.
Learn from Mistakes
Perhaps the biggest thing is the same things happening. The young guys will have to learn quickly how to play with a lead, if they get one. Alex Matan said in his press conference that he should have played a late corner short instead lf pushing for a third. There are times to puch, and times to play smart.
Game Information
WHO: Columbus Crew (4-4-3, 15 Points) vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (2-6-3, 9 Points)
WHERE: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
WHEN: Wednesday, May 17, 7:30 PM ET
HOW TO WATCH: MLS Season Pass – Apple TV