The Columbus Crew travel to Massachusetts to take on the New England Revolution and former head coach Caleb Porter. New England is on a good run of form winning four games straight. The Revs only have six wins on the season, but look to be improving under head coach Caleb Porter.
The Crew won an MLS Cup under Porter but missed the playoffs on three other occasions. One thing Porter was very good at was achieving results against rival FC Cincinnati, which he accomplished last matchday as New England claimed a 2-1 victory. Porter knows how to pump his team up for big matches, and this match has likely been circled on his calendar. The Black & Gold cannot overlook this match towards their midweek clash to get a result.
It is official, Aidan Morris has transferred to Middlesbrough and is no longer a member of the team. Morris has been a consistent contributor and his presence will be missed. Goalkeeper Evan Bush faced a setback in his recovery process and is out for at least another ten weeks, potentially more as he recovers from another bone break in the same arm. This could present future difficulties if goalkeepers Nicholas Hagen and Patrick Schulte are called to international duty at the same time. Forward Jacen Russell-Rowe will be away on international duty with Canada as they strive to get through the group stage.
Here is how Columbus could lineup:
Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte will get the start again for Columbus. The Crew are having their best defensive year since their 2020 MLS Cup championship where they allowed 21 goals in 23 games. The Crew have allowed 17 goals in 17 matches this year which is tied for the best in the MLS with Charlotte who have allowed 20 goals in 20 games.
The Black & Gold will need a solid defensive match to contain former MVP Carles Gil, who creates confusion by dribbling into the box before finding the final pass. Defender Rudy Camacho will anchor the backline, bring plenty of experience, and needs lead the team in communication as to not lose players like the aforementioned Gil. Alongside Camacho will be defenders Yevhen Cheberko and Steven Moreira.
Wingbacks Mo Farsi and Yaw Yeboah will start in this match. Wingback Max Arfsten has made waves in recent matches with dangerous runs into the box, beating defenders on the dribble and registering a couple of assists. He likely will get more playing time as he continues to contribute, but Arfsten might be more likely to start midweek against Nashville SC as he provides another danger to breaking down a bunkering defense.
Midfielder and captain Darlington Nagbe will begin life without his typical midfield partner in Morris, but Sean Zawadzki should be able to deputize the role well. Zawadzki has been moved all over the field and should benefit from having a stable role in the team. Zawadzki will bring similar intensity and has a history from his time in the academy in a more attacking midfield role.
Attackers Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi will lead the Columbus attack against a New England defense that has allowed 30 goals in 17 matches. New England has found some relative stability, only giving up four goals in the past four matches but the shakey backline was averaging giving up two goals a game before the month of June. Forward Christian Ramirez seems to be giving the Crew the best results. Midfielder Alex Matan contributes best when playing at home, expect Ramirez to start with Russell-Rowe away.