The Columbus Crew are currently on the road facing the Seattle Sounders FC at Lumen Field in a highly anticipated Major League Soccer regular-season clash. As of the 43rd minute, the score stands at 1-1, following a dynamic first half that saw both teams find the back of the net. This match marks the Crew’s first away game since their 5-1 defeat to Inter Miami on May 31, a loss they have since rebounded from with a strong three-game winning streak.
Columbus opened the scoring in the 27th minute when forward Diego Rossi capitalized on a precise pass from Ibrahim Aliyu, slotting the ball past Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei. However, the Sounders quickly responded. In the 43rd minute, midfielder Paul Rothrock leveled the score, sending a shot past Crew goalkeeper Evan Bush after receiving a pass from defender Kalani Kossa-Rienzi. Earlier in the 15th minute, Rossi had another scoring opportunity denied by a crucial block from Seattle defender Jackson Ragen. (Source: The Columbus Dispatch)
Heading into this fixture, the Columbus Crew hold a strong position in the Eastern Conference, sitting fourth with a record of 10 wins, 3 losses, and 7 draws, accumulating 37 points. Their recent form has been impressive, securing victories over Vancouver Whitecaps, Atlanta United, and Philadelphia Union, including a shutout against the Union on June 29. The Seattle Sounders, meanwhile, are fifth in the Western Conference standings with 8 wins, 6 losses, and 5 draws, totaling 29 points. They recently returned from a FIFA Club World Cup campaign to secure a 2-0 home win against Austin FC. (Source: SportsGambler.com)
Both teams are navigating significant player absences. The Columbus Crew are without starting goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who is recovering from an abdominal strain sustained on May 24, though he is reportedly nearing a return. Backup goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen is also unavailable due to a muscle injury picked up on international duty. Veteran Evan Bush has stepped into the starting role. Additionally, midfielder Andres Herrera is unavailable as his loan from River Plate expired on June 30, though talks are ongoing for a new deal. Other notable absences for the Crew include defender Malte Amundsen, midfielder Max Arfsten, defender Rudy Camacho, midfielder Derrick Jones, and midfielder Lassi Lappalainen. (Source: The Columbus Dispatch)
For the Seattle Sounders, key players sidelined include center-back Kim Kee-Hee (calf), Yeimar Gomez Andrade (muscle injury), Paul Arriola (torn cruciate ligament), and Reed Baker-Whiting (suspension). (Source: Goal.com)
The confirmed starting lineups for the match are as follows:
- Columbus Crew (4-4-2): Evan Bush (GK), Yevhen Cheberko, Steven Moreira, Sean Zawadzki, Mohamed Farsi, Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, Ibrahim Aliyu, Daniel Gazdag, Diego Rossi, Jacen Russell-Rowe.
- Seattle Sounders (4-2-3-1): Stefan Frei (GK), Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Alex Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Nouhou Tolo, Obed Vargas, Cristian Roldan, Paul Rothrock, Jesus Ferreira, Albert Rusnak, Danny Musovski. (Source: The Columbus Dispatch)
Historically, Seattle has had the upper hand in recent matchups, securing back-to-back victories over Columbus, both away at Lower.com Field, with scores of 4-0 and 2-1. Over their last five head-to-head meetings, Seattle has won three, with one draw and one victory for Columbus. (Source: SportsGambler.com)
The match, which kicked off at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT), is being broadcast on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass, with Apple TV+ subscribers also having access. For radio listeners, the English broadcast is available on Alt 105.7 FM with Chris Doran on the call, while the Spanish broadcast can be found on La Grande 103.1 FM with Juan Valladares. The officiating crew for the match includes Referee Ismir Pekmic, Assistant Referees Jeremy Kieso and Stefan Tanaka-Freundt, Fourth Official Adorae Monroy, VAR Younes Marrakchi, and Assistant VAR Jonathan Johnson. (Source: The Columbus Dispatch)
As the second half progresses, both teams will be looking to gain an edge in what promises to be a closely fought contest with significant implications for their respective conference standings.
