After a historic win in Mexico to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals for the first time in club history, the Columbus Crew are back to league action on Saturday night as their road trip continues against Real Salt Lake.
Numbers to Know
4 – First, let’s stick with Concacaf Champions Cup. After a 1-1 leg one at Lower.com Field, the Black & Gold went to Tigres UANL and became the first MLS team to advance in a second leg in Mexico. (The Crew continue to be a club of firsts). Columbus advanced through a penalty shootout, and now the club will get another home-and-away matchup in the semifinals against Liga MX side Monterrey. But more about that in the future… For now, the Crew are fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with 12 points from the opening seven MLS matches. Head coach Wilfried Nancy and his players have a quick turnaround, but they’re riding momentum. Don’t forget their last league game involved late theatrics as Aidan Morris scored an 87th-minute-stunner to draw D.C. United, 1-1.
47 – Strange soccer number, right? Well, 47 is in honor of Nancy, who celebrated his 47th birthday with a massive dub in El Volcán against Tigres. The magnitude can’t be overstated. Since his arrival to Columbus … we know how amazing it’s been. But it’s clear that Nancy and his coaching staff are using the 2023 MLS Cup title as something to build upon – not just a place to rest laurels. At every point, Nancy has inspired his players and supporters alike. It’s time to keep dreaming. After all, impossible is an opinion.
3 – A trip to Utah is no easy feat. Real Salt Lake sits third in the Western Conference with 11 points from seven games, and is unbeaten in five-of-its-last six. RSL is beatable at home, though, as Colorado Rapids proved as much with a 2-1 win on March 9.
6 – Crew supporters will need to keep an eye on Christian Arango, who’s been prolific so far in 2024. Arango has six goals in seven league appearances this season, which already ties his total tally from 2023. Two years ago, he scored 16 for LAFC. (He had 14 goals in 2021). In short, Arango is a proven MLS goal scorer trying to return to his LAFC form. Let’s see if the Columbus backline can keep him quiet.
When They Last Met
It was a fun one! The Crew pummeled RSL, 4-0, on April 1, 2023 at Lower.com Field. Aidan Morris had a brace, while Lucas Zelarayán converted a penalty and Yaw Yeboah added the fourth in second-half stoppage time. When the clubs last played in Utah, the match finished scoreless on Jun. 25, 2022.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew at Real Salt Lake
When: Saturday, Apr. 13 at 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: America First 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
Single-Match Tickets
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
