Soccer fans, get ready for an exciting Eastern Conference clash as the Columbus Crew takes on Orlando City SC! If you’re wondering Where To Watch Columbus Crew Vs Orlando City Sc, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides all the information you need to catch this Major League Soccer (MLS) game live, along with a match preview to get you up to speed.
This highly anticipated game is the second meeting of the season between these two rivals and promises to be a thrilling encounter. The match will be held at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s dive into the details of how to watch and what to expect from this matchup.
A History of Rivalry: Columbus Crew vs Orlando City SC
The Columbus Crew and Orlando City SC have a rich history of competitive matches, often filled with drama and memorable moments. Looking back at their head-to-head record, Orlando City holds a slight edge in regular season play with a 9-7-4 record. However, when playing in Columbus, the Lions have found it tougher, with a 2-4-2 record. Across all competitions, including playoffs and the U.S. Open Cup, Orlando City has a 10-8-4 overall record against the Crew.
Their most recent encounter on May 25th saw the Crew secure a 2-0 victory in Orlando, a game marked by controversial refereeing decisions. A penalty awarded to Columbus after a VAR review sparked debate, overshadowing the Crew’s goals from Diego Rossi.
One of the most significant clashes between these teams was in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals. In a tense, scoreless match that went into extra time, the Crew eventually prevailed 2-0 against a 10-man Orlando City, thanks to goals from Christian Ramirez and Cucho Hernandez. This victory propelled Columbus towards their eventual MLS Cup triumph.
Memorable regular-season games include a thrilling 4-3 Orlando City win in September 2023, where the Lions came back from behind to snatch victory with late goals. Earlier that season, in May 2023, the teams played out a 2-2 draw in Columbus, showcasing their competitive balance. And in 2022, Orlando City clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 Decision Day win over Columbus.
Past encounters suggest that matches between Columbus Crew and Orlando City SC are rarely dull, often featuring close scores and dramatic finishes, making it a must-watch fixture for MLS fans.
Match Overview: Crew Aim to Defend Home Turf Against Surging Lions
Columbus Crew enters this match as the defending MLS Cup champions and one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Sitting comfortably in third place, they boast a strong home record of 7-2-4. While they suffered a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Seattle Sounders in early September, their recent form has been solid, with a two-game unbeaten streak, including a 2-0 away win against Toronto FC in their last game. Notably, the Crew have not conceded a goal in their last 200 minutes of play, highlighting their defensive strength.
The Crew’s strength lies in their balanced approach. They possess one of the league’s most potent offenses, having scored over 50 goals this season, while simultaneously having the stingiest defense, conceding the fewest goals in MLS. Coach Wilfried Nancy’s tactical acumen is a significant asset, employing a system that combines solid defensive structure with opportunistic attacking transitions, making them a formidable opponent. Key players to watch for Columbus include Diego Rossi, Christian Ramirez, and Cucho Hernandez, who pose a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Orlando City SC, on the other hand, comes into this match on a three-game winning streak, during which they have impressively outscored their opponents 8-0. They are also riding a 270-minute shutout streak. While these victories came against teams lower in the standings, they demonstrate Orlando’s improving form and confidence. Their most recent victory was a 2-0 home win against Charlotte FC. On the road this season, Orlando City has a 6-5-3 record.
Coach Oscar Pareja acknowledges the challenge posed by Columbus, recognizing their tactical strength and quality. Orlando City will be without key players David Brekalo, Mason Stajduhar, and Cesar Araujo for this match. However, they will look to their attacking talents like Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire to break down the Crew’s solid defense.
How to Watch Columbus Crew vs Orlando City SC Live
For fans eager to know where to watch Columbus Crew vs Orlando City SC, the primary broadcast will be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Here are the details on how to watch:
- Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is the official streaming partner for MLS matches. You can access the game live through the Apple TV app on your devices. This is the best way to ensure you don’t miss any of the action live.
- Match Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lower.com Field — Columbus, OH
Other ways to follow the game:
- Radio: Listen to the English broadcast on FM 96.9 The Game, or tune into Mega 97.1 FM for the Spanish broadcast.
- Live Updates: For real-time updates and rapid reactions, follow @TheManeLand and Orlando City’s official Twitter feed (@OrlandoCitySC).
Match Details: Lineups and Referees
Here are the confirmed lineups for both teams:
Orlando City (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
- Defenders: Rafael Santos, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson
- Defensive Midfielders: Wilder Cartagena, Jeorgio Kocevski
- Attacking Midfielders: Ivan Angulo, Martin Ojeda, Facundo Torres
- Forward: Duncan McGuire
- Bench: Javier Otero, Luca Petrasso, Kyle Smith, Michael Halliday, Felipe, Heine Gikling Bruseth, Nico Lodeiro, Luis Muriel, Ramiro Enrique
Columbus Crew (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper: Patrick Schulte
- Defenders: Malte Amundsen, Yevhen Cheberko, Steven Moreira
- Wingbacks / Central Midfielders: Max Arfsten, Darlington Nagbe, Alexandru Matan, Mohamed Farsi
- Attacking Midfielders: Diego Rossi, Aziel Jackson
- Forward: Christian Ramirez
- Bench: Nicholas Hagen, Rudy Camacho, Yaw Yeboah, DeJuan Jones, Andres Herrera, Derrick Jones, Dylan Chambost, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Cucho Hernandez
Referees:
- REF: Sergii Boiko
- AR1: Corey Parker
- AR2: Zach McWhorter
- 4TH: Fotis Bazakos
- VAR: Kevin Stott
- AVAR: Fabio Tovar
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Action
The Columbus Crew versus Orlando City SC match promises to be a captivating contest between two strong Eastern Conference teams. With the Crew’s formidable home record and Orlando City’s recent surge in form, this game is set to be a tactical battle with plenty of attacking flair. Make sure you know where to watch Columbus Crew vs Orlando City SC – tune in to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and enjoy the match! Go City!
