2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group E, Matchday 4
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Sat., July 11 – 10:30 PM ET
TV: FS1, TUDN; TSN in Canada
STREAMING: FOX Sports App, TUDN app; TSN App in Canada
The Hell is Real derby comes to the MLS is Back Tournament, as FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew SC meet in Group E play on July 11.
- Stam on new Cincy playing style: “We need to be realistic … It takes time”
- Crew SC's Porter: Group stage is priority for tournament
- No fans? Cincy still expects "special" Hell is Real derby
- Porter: Team with "best spirit, energy, relationships" will win
- Hagglund: Tournament a chance for FC Cincinnati reset
- Stam: Locadia could be out "a couple weeks"
It will mark the third match between the sides in MLS play, with the inaugural match between the sides at MAPFRE Stadium on August 10, 2019 ending in a 2-2 draw. The Crew took a 3-1 victory at Nippert Stadium in the next match two weeks later.
Cincy dropped their first two games of the 2020 season against formidable Eastern Conference opponents, first to the New York Red Bulls, then to Atlanta United. But after a league-worst record in 2019, Cincy held their own in each of those matches, losing by a single goal in both games. They also have a talented new forward in Jurgen Locadia, but new head coach Jaap Stam has said he possibly won't feature.
A trendy preseason pick as East favorites, Columbus met the hype before the league's postponement, beating NYCFC 1-0 at home on March 1 thanks to a golazo from new playmaker Lucas Zelarayan. The Crew then went toe-to-toe on the road against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on March 7 and left with a 1-1 draw.
FC Cincinnati
This will be Cincy's first game under Dutch manager Jaap Stam, so there's extra motivation for the club to impress. Playing without Locadia in the No. 9 role could prove tough, and Brandon Vazquez is a candidate to fill that role.
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Jimmy McLaughlin (M) - ankle injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Jurgen Locadia (F) - quad injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Columbus Crew SC
This is Columbus' best roster in years, and they're expected to push through Group E into the knockout rounds. While Lucas Zelarayan is a game-changer, also keep an eye out for Darlington Nagbe as the midfield metronome.
- Injury Report:
- OUT: None
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup
- Crew SC: 1 win, 5 goals
- FC Cincinnati: 0 wins, 3 goals
- 1 draw
Officials
- Referee: Ismail Elfath
- Assistant Referees: Andrew Bigelow, Cory Richardson
- 4th Official: Ramy Touchan
- VAR: Dave Gantar
