The Columbus Crew have a chance to distance themselves from the teams chasing them in the playoffs when they host Canada’s FC Montreal at Lower.com Field on Wednesday, with kickoff at 2:30 am.
The Columbus Crew has undergone a significant transformation over the past few months. Since May’s end, they have points in nine consecutive domestic matches, vaulting them into a playoff position in the Eastern Conference for the time being.
The Crew’s newfound discipline and ability to remain organized at the back has played a big part in their recent success, as Columbus has allowed the third-fewest goals (22) in their Conference and have not conceded in three straight home fixtures.
They have needed to be sharp defensively as their creativity has been lacking through much of the campaign, putting up 0.2 expected goals on seven shots on target versus New England.
In a 0-0 draw against the defending MLS Cup champions, New England Revolution midfielder Wilfried Nancy said he was encouraged by how his side performed despite failing to find the back of the net for the first time in four games.
Indeed, his team was as sharp and resolute defensively as we had seen perhaps all year, failing to allow a single effort on target against the highest-scoring team in the Eastern Conference as they have now allowed a goal or fewer in three consecutive encounters.
Columbus Crew vs. Montreal Head to Head
Both sides have 25 games against each other, with hosts taking 12 wins while visitors with nine wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Columbus Crew 0-0 NER
- Columbus Crew 2-0 Cincinnati
- DC United 2-2 Columbus
- Chicago Fire 2-3 Columbus
Away
- Montreal 0-0 NYFC
- DC United 1-2 Montreal
- Montreal 1-0 Toronto
- Montreal 1-2 Kansas City
Columbus Crew Team News
The Crew’s Eloy Room has only faced four shots in his previous two matches, while Pedro Santos has played a big part in their recent success as he sits third in the league in terms of tackles won. Derrick Etienne and Lucas Zelarayan are tied for the team lead in goals and assists with five each, while Cucho Hernandez has chipped in with four strikes.
Montreal Team News
Mason Toye scored two goals in the Chicago Fire’s 2-1 comeback win against the Seattle Sounders, while Romell Quioto had two in a 2-1 victory over DC United as he leads them in that department with nine, two more than Djordje Mihailovic.
Prediction and Odds
Montreal looked strong on the back end in their previous match, but one solid outing is not enough to prove that the team has solved its defensive issues.
- Home Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 2.5
