Defence is seemingly one of the best type of assault, so says Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy after his facet stored an eleventh clear sheet of the season of their 2-0 win over Toronto FC.
After securing their spot within the playoffs, the Crew will probably be seeking to proceed their momentum for the ultimate video games of the marketing campaign, beginning with the go to of Orlando Metropolis FC this weekend.
Nancy’s squad have been spectacular at each ends of the pitch, preserving essentially the most shutouts within the division together with scoring 54 objectives, a complete solely bettered by Jap Convention leaders Inter Miami (67), whereas additionally conceding the fewest objectives within the MLS this time period (28).
The Columbus head coach lauded his gamers for his or her showings in assault and defence, saying their success this season has been all the way down to the aggressive spirit throughout the group.
“This isn’t solely the backline as a result of the entrance line, however in addition they do a very good job avoiding sure issues,” Nancy stated. “Clearly, additionally the backline does it properly.
That is the aggressive spirit that we have now. After that, we will discuss ways that we’re good at defensively, however for me, that is this need to compete on a regular basis.
“Typically we’re unbalanced as a result of it may occur, they can make a play on the proper second. That is the chemistry of the group, and that is the spirit of the group. That’s why we will also be good defensively.”
That +3 Feeling #Crew96 @WhiteClaw pic.twitter.com/7QDJsONc81
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) September 19, 2024
However one other head coach that has been impressed together with his facet’s defensive displaying is Orlando’s Oscar Pareja, with the Lions having now stored three clear sheets of their final three league video games.
Orlando have additionally scored eight objectives throughout that run, with their final overcome Charlotte FC shifting them as much as fourth within the Jap Convention standings.
Whereas the likes of Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire have starred for the Lions on the prime finish of the pitch, Pareja was fast to acknowledge the performances of his defenders.
“It’s additionally a vital part that we have now to spotlight tonight as properly,” Pareja stated.
“Defending properly as a bunch with consistency might be one of the crucial tough elements of the sport. The again ahead and people midfielders are sustaining the group in an excellent method.
“We’re strong. Particular person efficiency has risen as properly; it’s higher individually. I believe that they’ve grown so much throughout this era.”
On the street once more pic.twitter.com/8cB8I1i035
— Orlando Metropolis SC (@OrlandoCitySC) September 20, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez
Hernandez got here off the bench to report a objective and an help in Columbus’ win over Toronto on Wednesday.
Since becoming a member of the Crew in July 2022, he has 11 video games with each a objective and an help in all competitions, third amongst MLS gamers in that point behind Lionel Messi (12) and Luciano Acosta (18).
Orlando Metropolis – Facundo Torres
Torres netted his team-leading twelfth objective of the season for Orlando of their win over Charlotte on Wednesday and will probably be assured of including to his MLS tally towards the Crew.
The Uruguayan boasts a powerful report towards this weekend’s opponents, contributing 4 objective involvements (two objectives and two assists) in his 5 video games towards Columbus.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN
Columbus have received two straight matches towards Orlando, each with 2–0 wins in final season’s convention semi-finals and in Could this yr. The Crew had received simply one among their earlier 10 matches towards the Lions previous to final season’s playoff assembly (D1 L8).
The Crew’s 4-0 loss to Seattle Sounders earlier this month was simply their second defeat of their final 39 house matches in all competitions courting again to Could 2023. No MLS group underneath Nancy’s stewardship has ever misplaced two straight house matches in all competitions.
Nevertheless, Orlando have received six away matches within the 2024 common season, having solely triumphed extra on the street in a single season final yr (9). Solely FC Cincinnati (17) have extra away wins than Orlando (15) because the begin of the 2023 season.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Columbus Crew – 60.5%
Draw – 20.7%
Orlando Metropolis – 18.7%
