Through eight Major League Soccer regular season matches, Columbus Crew SC sits second in the Eastern Conference — buoyed by four dominant performances at MAPFRE Stadium. Unbeaten at home since September 10, 2016, the Black & Gold return for a three-match home stand as springtime in Central Ohio has taken hold.
Entering Week 9 with an opportunity to defend their dominance against New York City FC — a team that's never won at MAPFRE Stadium in three visits — Crew SC know what they're up against in the defending League MVP in David Villa and Co. Here's what to watch:
Yankee Doodle Came to Town
Columbus Crew SC hosts New York City FC in the Eastern Conference teams’ first meeting of the 2017 Major League Soccer regular season and their sixth regular season meeting of all time. Two of the East’s strongest attacking teams will battle for a much-needed win to make up for last week’s losses.
The Black & Gold fell 2-0 to the Red Bulls in Week 8, and NYCFC fell 2-1 to the Lions.
Taming El Guaje
David Villa, whose nickname, El Guaje, translates to The Kid in his native Spain, is nothing to laugh about.
The Spanish legend netted 23 goals in 2016 putting him in second for the Golden Boot and earning him MLS MVP. Villa is also the all-time leading goalscorer in Spanish national team history. NYCFC’s start striker is currently leading the team in goals (5).
The 35-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down either. He has filled the highlight reels this season, especially on April 14 against the Philadelphia Union, his most memorable so far this season.
As the clock was winding down, Villa chased down the ball alongside two Union defenders. He took the shot from more than 50 yards away and sent it soaring over 2016 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake’s head, making it the longest goal in the MLS since at least 2012, according to ESPN’s Paul Carr.
Home, sweet home
The Black & Gold are currently unbeaten in their last six home games, and they have outscored their opponents 13-4 in that stretch. They also hold a 2-1-2 overrall record over their New York counterparts and have yet to lose to them at MAPFRE Stadium.
“We want to stay undefeated at home," Crew SC midfielder Justin Meram said about entering Columbus' three-game homestand. "We are in a good position after playing four away and four at home to open the season. We want to be in an even stronger position after these three home matches coming up. ... This year, we know that no one will come into our place and out-battle us. That intensity matched with the way we play and the fans behind us, it all comes together to make something special.”
Meram has played a vital role in the change from 2016's campaign to this season's. He's played in all eight of Columbus' matches this year, scoring four times off nine shots on-goal and providing two assists. All six goals he played a role in — either as the scorer or provider — came at MAPFRE Stadium.
Thanks to producers like Meram, Crew SC has scored a total of eight goals spread across every home match this season. All in all, Crew SC has scored at least once in its last 15 home matches — dating back to June 25, 2016. That run includes 24 goals and 26 points claimed.
