On Saturday night, the boys from the state capital visit the national capital, as the Columbus Crew return to regular season action with a matchup against D.C. United at Audi Field.
Numbers to Know
3 – The Crew have five matches remaining in their 2024 league campaign and sit third in the Eastern Conference standings with 56 points from 29 games played. The reigning MLS Cup champs are tied with second-place FC Cincinnati on points, but FCC owns the tiebreaker (17 wins to 16 wins). That said, the Black & Gold have played one fewer match and can move into second as early as Saturday night. It’ll be interesting to see the XI that head coach Wilfried Nancy opts for following the midweek Campeones Cup clash with Club América, which Columbus lost on penalties. The Crew are eight points behind first-place Inter Miami CF, but have a 12-point gap over fourth-place New York Red Bulls.
31 – Not to give anything away listed below, but the league’s top scoring player hosts Columbus on Saturday night. Of course, the Black & Gold have allowed the fewest goals in MLS this season – 31 in 29 games – so it’s a meeting between the best-of-the-best. Don’t forget the Crew have earned clean sheets in their last three road games: at Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Toronto FC.
13 – This hasn’t been the greatest season for D.C. United, which sits 13th in the Eastern Conference standings with 33 points from 20 games played. That said, D.C. is fully in contention for a postseason playoff spot. Ninth-place Philadelphia Union, which sits in a play-in game position, is only three points ahead of United entering the final month of the season. (Fittingly, the Union beat United, 4-0, this past Sunday). D.C. United is searching for its first win since Sept. 7 at Chicago Fire FC.
20 – Christian Benteke is no stranger to Columbus Crew fans. He scored when the clubs last met, and he played in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game at Lower.com Field two months ago. The 33-year-old has been prolific for D.C. in 2024 with 19 goals and six assists in 26 league appearances. In fact, he leads MLS in goals scored and could finish with the MLS Golden Boot. Benteke’s made 63 league appearances for D.C. since his arrival in 2022. Since then, he has 34 goals and 10 assists. Even the best backline in MLS knows it’ll have its hands full on Saturday.
When They Last Met
The sides drew, 1-1, when they met on April 6 at Lower.com Field. Benteke scored the opener in the 61st minute before Aidan Morris scored in the 87th via a long-range strike. The last time we clubs played at Audi Field, the Crew won, 2-0, on April 8, 2023. Lucas Zelarayán scored a first-half penalty before Christian Ramirez doubled the lead two minutes into the second half.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew at D.C. United
When: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Audi Field
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
How to Listen: La Grande 102.5 FM | Alt 105.7 FM | iHeart Radio app
Bring your crew
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
