Defence is seemingly the most effective type of assault, so says Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy after his aspect saved 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 likely be trying 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 Japanese 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 inside the group.
“This isn’t solely the backline as a result of the entrance line, however in addition they do a superb job avoiding sure issues,” Nancy mentioned. “Clearly, additionally the backline does it nicely.
That is the aggressive spirit that we now have. After that, we will discuss techniques that we’re good at defensively, however for me, that is this want to compete on a regular basis.
“Generally we’re unbalanced as a result of it may occur, they’re able to make a play on the proper second. That is the chemistry of the crew, and that is the spirit of the crew. That’s why we may 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 along with his aspect’s defensive exhibiting is Orlando’s Oscar Pareja, with the Lions having now saved 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 Japanese 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 an important section that we now have to spotlight tonight as nicely,” Pareja mentioned.
“Defending nicely as a bunch with consistency might be one of the troublesome elements of the sport. The again ahead and people midfielders are sustaining the crew in an excellent method.
“We’re stable. Particular person efficiency has risen as nicely; it’s higher individually. I feel 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 file a purpose 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 purpose 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 purpose of the season for Orlando of their win over Charlotte on Wednesday and will likely be assured of including to his MLS tally in opposition to the Crew.
The Uruguayan boasts a formidable file in opposition to this weekend’s opponents, contributing 4 purpose involvements (two objectives and two assists) in his 5 video games in opposition to Columbus.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN
Columbus have gained two straight matches in opposition to Orlando, each with 2–0 wins in final season’s convention semi-finals and in Might this yr. The Crew had gained simply one in every of their earlier 10 matches in opposition to 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 residence matches in all competitions relationship again to Might 2023. No MLS crew beneath Nancy’s stewardship has ever misplaced two straight residence matches in all competitions.
Nonetheless, Orlando have gained 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%
