On Saturday, another installment in the Hell is Real derby will take place.
14 matches. Seven losses. Four draws. Three wins.
It is a heated rivalry considered one of the best in MLS, and recently, one which has reached a new level. Both clubs are at the top of American soccer, and last season, they met in the Eastern Conference Final. This is the first time the two clubs have met since that day.
THE OPPOSITION
The Crew have only gotten better since the hiring of Wilfried Nancy before last season. Under him, they play with a style that is dominant in possession and goalscoring, and it is agonizingly fun to watch.
🔥: UNDER NANCY LAST SEASON, THEY LED THE LEAGUE IN GOALS, CHANCES CREATED, AND POSSESSION. (see more)
They won the MLS Cup in his first season there, and have now made it to the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. He has transformed them into one of the best clubs in North America.
This year, they’ve scored the fourth-lowest amount of goals in MLS, but are tied for the least amount of goals allowed. They haven’t done as well in the league this season (they sit in fifth in the East, 12th overall), but that is because they’ve been navigating the CCC, so it is impressive in its own way.
They will easily be the toughest opponent the club has faced this season. Their style is dominant, and even more so now that they are playing in a derby at home.
They’ve never lost at home during a Hell is Real derby, and they’ve outscored FCC there 13-4.
THE ORANGE & BLUE
The Orange & Blue are on a three-match winning streak and have found ways to get results effectively. That is a positive sign.
This season, they’ve again been one of the best clubs in the league. They sit in second in the East and third overall in the Supporters’ Shield standings.
Despite that positivity, though, it is going to take a lot to get a result in Columbus. Yes, FCC is on a winning streak, but the team still appears inconsistent at times.
There are matches where FCCcan’t seem to find the back of the net, and where they look like there is still a lack of chemistry. But there are also matches where these issues disappear completely.
This match is going to take discipline and focus. They can’t let the same issues overtake them, and they must try to beat the apparent impossibility of a result away in Columbus. It is going to be difficult.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
On Columbus’ side, they have Cucho Hernandez, who has wreaked havoc on FCC and the rest of the league. He is their top goalscorer, and he (and the rest of their team) have rested for 10 days.
His role in their team is of paramount importance. He has a high work rate and can create as effectively as he can score. If he is clicking, then so is their attack.
The leader of FCC’s defense is going to be the player to watch. That leader is Matt Miazga. Fans on both sides can expect the home team’s attack to be clicking, so Miazga as well as the rest of the defense are going to be busy. How he responds to this challenge will decide the result.
👀: JEFFREY SWARTZEL IS THE ASSISTANT REFEREE FOR THE MATCH, AND HE WAS ONE OF THE REFEREES INVOLVED IN MIAZGA’S POSTSEASON “SITUATION”.
In this rivalry, there have been moments of magic. Djiby’s header, Edgar Castillo’s early goal, Lucho’s playoff free kick, etc. Be ready for more of the same, whether it be for FCC or for Columbus.
Recommended for you
