The Black-and-Red host Columbus Crew SC in the penultimate regular season home match on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 PM (NewsChannel 8) only four days after their big 4-1 win over Orlando City SC on Saturday. The critical Eastern Conference matchup with playoff implications pits United (currently in sixth with 37 points) against ninth-placed Columbus (32 points, but with a game in hand).
Needing a win to keep pace in the East and with a chance to leapfrog their opponents, Ben Olsen was pleased how his side “brought their game on both sides of the ball.” Patrick Mullins scored his team-high sixth and seventh goals of the year and continues to provide the spark in an offense that has scored 16 goals in five straight matches. Lloyd Sam scored his second goal for the Black-and-Red, Julian Büscher bagged his first career MLS goal and Taylor Kemp tied a franchise record for three assists in a match. United now lead the league in goals since July 20 and are tied for the league lead in multi-goal games in the same period.
“Offensively it was a strong performance,” Olsen said after the match. “But defensively, the guys dug in and bailed each other out against a very dynamic Orlando team.”
Meanwhile in Columbus, the Crew have not enjoyed the same success a year removed from their Audi MLS Cup appearance. Even with Ola Kamara leading the line and scoring goals (no relation to former Crew forward, Kei) with 15 goals in his first MLS season, Columbus have remained near the bottom of the East for the majority of the season. But after a big win over Orlando City SC two weeks ago and their 2-0 win on Sunday, head coach Gregg Berhalter has his side within a fighting chance of the sixth and final playoff spot.
Earlier this year, United salvaged a draw on the road at MAPFRE Stadium, scoring in the 89th minute to tie the game after Ola Kamara’s goal in the 63rd. With a short turnaround for both teams, and a lot at stake, both teams will need to be wary of getting stretched defensively. United’s midfield has shown resiliency and tremendous depth in spite of forced changes because of late season injuries, a welcome sign to fans as the postseason nears.
"It’s a playoff game and every point counts," Steve Birnbaum said. "We’re pushing for a win and hopefully we can separate ourselves for the rest of the games this season."