After a longer than expected return to MLS play, the Columbus Crew hope the added time can help a revised roster regain momentum for the stretch run beginning Saturday at new-look Toronto FC.
Toronto (5-13-7, 22 points) will mark the home debut for U.S. men’s national team midfielder Djordje Mihailovic after a trade with the Colorado Rapids on Aug. 7.
He had the second assist on the goal by DeAndre Kerr in second-half stoppage time that helped the Reds forge a 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union last Saturday.
“He’s very capable of finding windows very quickly and executing the right passes at the right weight,” Toronto coach Robin Fraser said of Mihailovic.
Toronto also may see the return to game action of goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who missed the match versus the Union while in concussion protocol. He returned to training on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the last league match for the Crew (12-5-8, 44 points) was a 3-1 home loss to Orlando City on July 25 in which they allowed three goals in the final 15 minutes.
Three Leagues Cup matches followed before the Crew were scheduled to play at New York City FC last Saturday. That match was postponed to Sept. 17 because Citi Field was unavailable due to poor field conditions.
During the Leagues Cup, defender Malte Amundsen returned for the first time since a knee injury on May 31 and midfielder Andres Herrera played twice after missing five MLS matches while a loan agreement was completed.
Also, on July 26, the Crew acquired forward Wessam Abou Ali as a designated player from Egyptian Premier League champion Al Ahly Sporting Club. He had 38 goals and 10 assists in 60 appearances for Al Ahly.
He arrived in Columbus on Wednesday but his status for Saturday is unknown.
Amundsen could key a resurgence for the Crew, who have allowed nine goals while going 2-2-0 in the past four MLS matches.
“We know what he can bring. Fans know what he can bring,” Crew defender Yevhen Cheberko said. “He will definitely help us, and just more people for the rotation will maybe save some energy.”
–Field Level Media
