This isn’t Crewmas, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t the most wonderful time of the year for Columbus Crew fans.

On the field, three regular season matches remain for the Club as it competes for home-field advantage in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. In the stands, there have been 13-straight sell-outs at Lower.com Field – making Columbus one of the hardest places to visit in the league.

But last Friday’s launch of EA FC 24, formerly the EA Sports FIFA franchise, means fans can play with the Black & Gold online, against friends and through a career campaign.

So, let’s talk about some of those player ratings…

Cucho Hernández is the top dog in front of goal. The Colombian has a 78-finishing rate. He and Rossi are both a 76 overall, which leads the Black & Gold.

Yaw Yeboah can boast about having the quickest jets on the team with an 88-acceleration rate. But he can’t get too boastful, the whole attacking front line has speed. Rossi checks in at an 87, while Cucho is an 86 and Alexandru Mățan is an 85.

Rudy Camacho hasn’t been around for long with the Crew, but his 83 aggression leads his new teammates. Cucho is second with a 74.

Speaking of new boys, Julian Gressel leads the way with a 75 crossing rating.

To the surprise of no one, Darlington Nagbe has the best ball control with a 79. Also, completely not shocking, but his 83 composure rating is a Black & Gold best, as is his passing rating.

For those who love a slide tackle, Aidan Morris leads the team with a 68, while Steven Moreira offers a 67 rating.

Now that we know the ratings, it’s time to start playing the game. Maybe you’re the type to wear Wilfried Nancy’s shoes and step into the head coach role in career manager. Or, maybe you will play through the career of one of the Black & Gold team members.

But for everyone else, a new EA FC means facing others, whether online or in person. And the best way to test your skills is on Friday the 13th – Oct. 13, when the Crew hosts the Esports Open, presented by Vertiv.

The competition is in the Huntington Field Club at Lower.com Field, where up to 64 players will compete in tournament for bragging rights and a sweet price.

ALL COMPETITORS have the opportunity to be scouted to be the eMLS Pro Player for the Columbus Crew for the 2023-2024 eMLS Season.

Additional prizes include:

• $1,000 Prize Pool
• Championship Belt
• 2 Tickets to 2024 Home Opener Match
• The highest placing Amateur competitor will be crowned as the Columbus Crew’s 2023 Amateur Cup champion AND will represent the Crew among all MLS clubs’ Amateur Cup champions in a national tournament.

The competition will be on the PlayStation 5 (PS5), and the entry fee is $20. Fans can attend the tournament for $10 and can come watch the competition, play the game on site, and enjoy some food and beverages. All Crew Esports Open matches will be streamed on the club’s Twitch.

For more information about the Crew Esports Open, visit www.columbuscrew.com/emls/esportsopen