Ben Speas fights for the ball earlier this week when Columbus Crew SC hosted Valencia CF. Crew SC returns to action today at Orlando City. Photo/Columbus Crew SC
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Black and Gold look to recover from a disappointing draw in their last match against the hated Chicago Fire when they head to the Citrus Bowl to take on MLS newcomers, Orlando City SC.
Crew SC has been up and down as of late, picking up just seven points in their last five matches. Consistency needs to be the key in the marathon that is the push for the playoffs.
What to expect from Orlando City
Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Hall; Ramos, Hines, St. Ledger, Boden; Heath, Ceren; Avila, Kaka, Mwanga; Larin
Current Form: L-D-L-W-D, 5 points
The last time these two teams faced off, a red card by Rafael Ramos was the difference. Ramos made a terrible attempt at a clearance pass that resulted in a Federico Higuain backheel goal. Just a minute later, Ramos would make an exceedingly stupid tackle to earn his sending off. Ramos will be back in his position at right back, but Brek Shea will be the one missing from the back four as he will serve a suspension due to being sent off in Orlando City’s previous match. The back four has not been great, and this is a chance to exploit that problem
Kaka is just as good as advertised and truly is the engine for Orlando City’s attack. Columbus was excellent at slowing down the Brazilian International in the previous meeting and never letting him make that final connecting pass. It’s always a tall order to stop a player like Kaka, but the Black and Gold should be up to the task again.
What to expect from Columbus Crew SC
Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Clark; Klute, Parkhurst, Pogatetz, Francis; Tchani, Saeid; Finlay, Higuain, Meram; Kamara
Current Form: W-L-W-L-D, 7 points
Columbus wants that last minute back from the match against Chicago that resulted in two lost points after a hard fought match with bitter rivals Chicago. A win would have been a fantastic result in what was a nationally televised match, but in the end, Crew SC had to settled for the draw.
There’s no easy way to say it, but Hernan Grana is missed. The Argentine was released from his contract and, while right fullback isn’t the most vital of positions, it’s clear that the attack changed slightly without the 30-year-old Grana. Klute and Jimenez are capable of filling that role, but they have to do it in their own ways as neither of them play a style close to what Grana brought, who was on track to earning an all-star bid with his early play. Minimizing the loss of Grana will be key pushing forward, meaning someone has to step up in a big way.
The attack, however, is not hurting one bit. Kei Kamara is setting the world on fire at striker with nine goals so far this campaign. While he may not make a run at the league record, if he gets anywhere close to it, it can only mean good things for the Crew. Higuain has looked far more comfortable the past few weeks and it shows on the pitch. He is no longer being relied on to create and score, but now it’s just to create and chip in a goal here and there. Finlay and Meram have been dangerous on the wings, though Finlay left the Fire match a bit banged up. It’s possible we see Kristinn Steindorsson this week and not Finlay, but we won’t know until kickoff.
Crew SC fans are still wondering where USA U-21 International Wil Trapp is and when he is going to make his return. We keep hearing that his recovery from a concussion is going well and he’s getting close, but you never know when it comes to head injuries. For now, we continue to say that he’s questionable but it’s best to be cautious and come back only when he’s 100 percent.
Match Prediction
This is a tough one to call. While Crew SC dominated Orlando City the last time they played, the Black and Gold have been absolutely abysmal on the road. Orlando City is not exactly going gangbusters on anyone, so this would be a perfect opportunity to get that first road victory of the season. Kamara doesn’t look like he’s going to slow down any time soon, and with Orlando City missing Brek Shea, expect his form to continue. This match could be ugly, but there’s no reason Columbus can’t pull a W out in Florida.
Columbus Crew SC 2
Orlando City 1
