DC United vs Columbus Crew

Audi Field forms the backdrop for a potential ‘winner takes all’ Major League Soccer match-up between DC United and Columbus Crew.

DC United succumbed to an embarrassing 7-0 defeat away to Philadelphia Union last time out, making it six losses from nine MLS outings (W1, D2). Nailed to the bottom of the Eastern Conference alongside Chicago Fire, the ‘Black and Red’ can still rely on two games in hand on seventh-placed Cincinnati as they bid to reach the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time in three years. United’s redemption story commences this midweek, with Wayne Rooney looking to paint his touchline debut with flying colours. In order to achieve that, the former Manchester United legend will have to come up with a plan to halt United’s underwhelming three-game winless home league streak (D1, L2).

In the meantime, Columbus Crew fought back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to beat Chicago 3-2 on the road last time out, extending their unbeaten MLS streak to six matches (W3, D3). Adding to the visitors’ confidence, they’ve gone unbeaten in four consecutive away league games (W3, D1) since a 2-0 defeat at New York City in mid-May. By contrast, before running out 3-1 victors in their most recent MLS visit to DC United, Columbus had lost three of their four previous such match-ups (D1). Caleb Porter’s men have shown a tremendous ‘bounce-back’ ability this season, coming from behind to avoid defeat in three out of five away league fixtures in which they conceded first (W1, D2).