Three Years After Nearly Moving, Columbus Crew Back In MLS Final wosu.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wosu.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The world looks a completely different place since the Seattle Sounders won their first MLS Cup trophy in 2016. Yet, four years later and on the verge of capturing their third title in four appearances when they take on Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (5:30 p.m. PT; FOX, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM), so much in Seattle remains the same.
At the helm is Brian Schmetzer, who already owns the MLS record for playoff winning percentage. In goal is Stefan Frei, the 2016 MLS Cup hero, denying Jozy Altidore of a sure extra-time winner. In midfield is Cristian Roldan, the do-it-all, two-way dynamo who has rightfully earned himself United States national team caps. Up front is Jordan Morris, the beloved Homegrown, whose career and potential appear to have no ceiling.
The Seattle Sounders are taking on Columbus Crew SC on Saturday at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, in MLS Cup 2020 (5:30 p.m. PT; FOX, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). Here are several major storylines and matchups to watch.
MISSING PIECES
The big news out of Columbus ahead of Saturday’s clash is that Crew SC midfielder Darlington Nagbe and winger Pedro Santos are not medically cleared to play. Nagbe has been an integral part of Columbus’ success in his first season with the club. Reunited with former Portland Timbers and Akron Head Coach Caleb Porter, Nagbe reestablished himself as one of the league’s best tempo-setting central midfielders and quarterbacks in Porter’s possession-based attack. Santos, meanwhile, started 22 matches for Crew SC this season, recording six goals and eight assists, as well as scoring the game-winner in extra time against Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
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