Written By: Devin Weisbarth
The Black and Gold are coming off two dominant performances. Over the past two games, the Crew has outscored Atlanta and Real Salt Lake 10-1, the first time in club history they have scored 10 goals over a two-game span. Now, that attention turns toward Wayne Rooney and D.C. United, as the Black and Gold look for their first road win of the season.
Matchday 6 Results
- Columbus Crew 4-0 Real Salt Lake
- Chicago Fire 0-0 D.C. United
Head-to-Head
These two teams have already met this season, with the Crew coming away with a 2-0 win in the Black and Gold’s home opener. A Lucas Zelerayan brace helped lead the Crew past D.C. In the past five meetings, the Crew is 3-1-1, with two of the three wins being shutouts.
Injury Report
The Crew is going to still be without star striker Cucho Hernandez, though he is getting closer to a return. Kevin Molino and Josh Williams are both expected to be out, and Luis Diaz is doubtful.
Projected Lineup
With Cucho still not ready to return, expect Christian Ramirez to get the start once again, especially on the road. Though Eloy Room did not play last week due to a small, precautionary injury, he should be back in between the posts come Saturday.
What to Expect From Columbus
After the offensive explosion the last two weeks, I don’t think that will continue. Ten goals in two games is no easy feat in the MLS, but scoring on the road will be another story for the Black and Gold.
Aidan Morris continues to star for the Crew, leading the league in interceptions, and near the top in other categories as well. He has been the Crew’s best player, and coming off a game in which he scored a brace, he seems to have added the goal-scoring aspect to his game.
Defensively, the Black and Gold were once again magnificent. Patrick Schulte earned his first career MLS clean sheet while Milôs Degenek made his return from international duty.
The Crew will have to be able to win the midfield if they want to win their third straight game. If the Crew can win the midfield battle, they should come away with something from this game.
D.C. United Scouting Report
Since August 2022, D.C. United has only won two games in 19 matches. In those 19 games, they have only amassed a total of 11 points, the fewest in MLS in that span.
Last week, D.C. United drew with Chicago 0-0 at Soldier Field. Chicago out-possessed D.C. United 58%-42% and outshot them 11-9. The Black and Gold will have to watch out for Taxi Fountas and Mateusz Klich, the transfer from Leeds United earlier in the year. Those two have given teams problems this season.
Game Information
- WHO: D.C. United (1-3-2, 5 points) vs. Columbus Crew (3-2-1, 10 Points)
- WHERE: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
- WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 7:30 PM ET
- HOW TO WATCH: MLS Season Pass – Apple TV
Check out Area Sports Network on Twitter & Instagram and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. We just hit 1k subscribers and look to continue to grow the channel. Stay tuned for more content going forward!