If the Columbus Crew extend their winning streak to four MLS matches at New York City FC on Saturday, they’ll do so without leading scorer Lucas Zelarayan.
The Argentinian-born midfielder has taken advantage of his dual citizenship again when he was called up to represent Armenia in European Championship qualifying which began Friday.
Zelarayan tops the Crew (8-6-3, 27 points) with eight goals and seven assists. He also is the clubhouse leader for MLS Goal of the Year with an improbable tally from midfield in the third minute of stoppage time to defeat Chicago 2-1 on June 10.
Crew coach Wilfried Nancy must not only deal with the absence of Zelarayan but knows NYCFC (4-7-6, 18 points) are eager to end a 0-5-3 streak.
“It’s all about answering a problem,” Nancy said. “We are going against a New York City team which has a plan but for me our structure is going to be there.
“It will be very difficult for us because they have to win. They are playing at home and they have to increase the intensity.”
Yankee Stadium, with its tight dimensions, presents New York City with a home-field advantage and this season is no exception.
They are 4-2-2 at home compared to 0-5-4 on the road. New York City FC tied at Real Salt Lake on June 10 for their second straight scoreless match.
“We can’t go on losing and drawing those games, but just coming home and having a home game is a huge positive for the team,” NYCFC coach Nick Cushing said. “We want to get back to winning ways and we have a huge desire and a huge determination to get back to winning football games.”
NYCFC defender Justin Haak agrees.
“I definitely think it’s no secret that Yankee Stadium is very good for us,” he said. “It has been very kind to us.”
New York City must contend with Cucho Hernandez. He has tied the Crew record by contributing to at least one point in eight straight games (four goals, six assists).
— Field Level Media