Previewing Houston Dynamo vs Columbus Crew with Massive Report

(image via Columbus Crew)

The Houston Dynamo are into the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup where reigning MLS Cup Champion Columbus Crew await. We talked to our friend Tyler Fisher from Massive Report to get some insight on the Crew ahead of tomorrow’s match.

Bayou City Soccer (BCS): Columbus is coming off a 2023 season that saw them lift MLS Cup.What makes this 2024 team different from that title-winning team?

Massive Report (MR): Nothing is really different with this 2024 team. The Crew are returning their core starters that gave them the edge and ability to lift the MLS Cup. The only major change is that Julian Gressel is now with Miami. Columbus wasn’t a long term stop for him, but other than that there haven’t been any significant changes.

BCS: Columbus enters the Champions Cup in this round after a bye in Round One. With Columbus also playing this weekend in league play, how do you think Wilfried Nancy will approach rotating his squad?

MR: Columbus is coming off of their 1-1 draw against Minnesota United. I would expect a strong lineup, but little tweaks here and there with personnel. Wilfried Nancy talks about a certain profile the opposition has, which is what makes him decide the starting lineup. I wouldn’t expect Nancy to throw out an MLS starting XI, but a pretty close one at best. 

BCS: The Crew scored a league high 67 goals last season but have just two in their first two games this season. Would you say that is the players finding their rhythm in a new season or has there been a tactical or personnel change? 

MR: The last few seasons under Caleb Porter, the Crew were predictable. Wilfried Nancy is bringing out the best in the team. A strong 3-4-2-1 is the normal for Columbus now, but tactically, it allows for players to interchange. For example, the front three of Rossi-Matan (Ramirez)- Cucho. All three players have the ability to interchange with one another between playing behind the striker, and striker position itself. It’s not about finding rhythm at the time, but more so how can the team capitalize on chances? By making the opposition adjust their style of play to Columbus’ dictation of the game. 

BCS: How do Columbus fans feel about playing another MLS team in the Champions Cup at this stage and against a team in Houston that has its struggles so far this season but is unbeaten against Columbus in its last three meetings?

MR: There’s a bit of mixed emotions going around the fanbase. Mainly because of three reasons: 

1.) It’s on the road (Columbus is not good on the road)

2.) It’s midweek

3.) It’s in Houston - where humidity is not our friend. 

However, if Columbus can take that road draw against Minnesota and turn it into a positive, it has to be against the Dynamo. Yes they have their struggles, but Columbus is also dealing with a struggle of their own and that’s closing out games. 

BCS: How is the health of the Columbus roster and what do you expect for a starting lineup?

MR: Columbus is only missing Mo Farsi (Lower Leg). Other than that, the squad is pretty healthy. As I mentioned before, I would expect Columbus to throw out a strong lineup, but have a few changes. 

Bush

Moreira-Camacho-Amundsen

Yeboah-Jones-Morris-Hinestroza

Ramirez-Rossi

Cucho 

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We want to thank Tyler for his time and wish our friends in Columbus the best of luck tomorrow night.