top of page
  • Jerald Lucas

Match Preview: Defend Thy Fortress

The black and gold opened this young season by winning 2 Out of 3 games on the road, with their two recent wins coming off of a 1-0 score line.

On Sunday in Chester, Pa., Jacen Russell-Rowe was on the receiving end of a beautiful cross from Alexandru Matan to put it behind the Philadelphia Union II keeper Stuart Findlay in the 56th minute.




The Crew held on for their second win of the season, 3 points, and another clean sheet, setting up a warm welcome home by the Black & Gold faithful.

“Look around us. It’s amazing,” said head coach Laurent Courtois. “We were looking forward to that game. This has been a long preseason, a long three weeks away from home and finally able to be home for our guys is frankly amazing.”

With Crew 2 playing their home games at Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus is now the only market in MLS with two fully functioning soccer specific stadiums.

“I think they’re pretty pumped, as they should,” said Courtois when asked about the player excitement. “I think it’s a chip on their shoulder but in the good way. They know that somehow it’s going to be historical for them too.”

“There’s always room for improvement. We’re far from where we need to be,” Courtois exclaimed. “Being consistent of repeating the good stuff. Can we be consistent in the things we do well? Can we slightly adjust a few things that is going to make us solid throughout the year?”

Courtois says that having a select few players from the first team helps bring the mentality of being a pro, and also how to deal with the competition with coming off the bench and starting in different positions.

Back where it all started!

For the first time since moving to Lower.com Field there will be Columbus Crew soccer at The Historical Crew Stadium. “Come see us. We’re going to be fun to watch.”

The Black and Gold return home to where it all began, Historic Crew Stadium. They are set to take on Orlando City B in their home opener Friday at 7p. You can watch the match on the MLS Next Pro website if you are unable to make it to the match.

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page