Written By Devin Weisbarth
The Black and Gold are coming off their MLS bye week following back-to-back MLS defeats at
the hands of Charlotte FC and Inter Miami. The Crew welcome the Lions of Orlando City to Lower.com Field for the second of three consecutive games at home. Columbus will also look to build off their 5-1 U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 win over Loudoun United on Wednesday.
Last Results
Columbus Crew 1-2 Inter Miami
CF Montreal 2-0 Orlando City
Head-to-Head
In the last five meetings between these two teams, the Black and Gold are 1-4-0, including a loss in the final game of the year last year that knocked the crew out of the playoffs. In that game, now Atlanta United winger Derrick Etienne Jr. gave the Crew a 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break. But two second=half goals helped propel Orlando City over Columbus. There have also been 18 goals scored between the two teams over the past five meetings, so expect some goals to come.
Injury Report
Goalkeeper Eloy Room is still working through a knee injury that has plagued him almost all season. Defenders Milôs Degenek and Steven Moreira are both questionable with injuries. Jimmy Medranda is also questionable with a thigh injury. Kevin Molino, Will Sands and Josh Williams are all out.
Projected Lineup
With Cucho back, the Crew will look to get him more involved in play. Milôs Degenek also received a knock against Inter Miami, and he is questionable. With the play of Gustavo Vallecilla as of late, I would not expect Wilfried Nancy rush him back.
What to expect from Columbus
The last two games for the Black and Gold have been lethargic. They dropped points to two of the worst teams in the east to open the season. Inter Miami had not won a game on the road prior to the game against the Crew. They didn’t even score on the road before putting two past Patrick Schulte. “It’s always good to get a win, and get a convincing one getting five goals”, Schulte said in his Matchday plus two media availability.
“Yes, we won [on Wednesday], but I was not pleased with the whole game as we could have done better things”, head coach Wilfried Nancy said. “It’s a new game, and we have two days to prepare [for Orlando City].”
Expect the midweek win to restore confidence on the group. “Energy carries over, mentality carries over, and the performance should carry over”, captain Darlington Nagbe said when speaking to the media. “It’s been difficult [to score] when you play teams that play behind the ball. But training has been good.”
Orlando City Scouting Report
Orlando City is coming off two straight losses. The lost to CF Montreal before losimg to Charlotte FC in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 on Wednesday. They sit ninth in the east, tied with Columbus on 14 points. Mauricio Pereyra has led them this season, and he will be a guy to watch.
Orlando City outshot Montreal 13-7, and out-possessed them 55%-45%. Two quickfire goals from Montreal was enough to beat Orlando City.
Game Information
WHO: Columbus Crew (4-2-4, 14 Points) vs. Orlando City (4-2-4, 14 Points)
WHERE: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
WHEN: Saturday, May 13, 7:30 PM ET
HOW TO WATCH: MLS Season Pass – Apple TV