What's Happening?
The Columbus Crew are set to play D.C. United in an Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET. The Crew enter the match with a record of 12-15-5 and 41
points, having secured four consecutive wins, including a recent 2-0 victory against FC Dallas on October 28. Forward Diego Rossi leads the team with six goals, while midfielder Taha Habroune has contributed five goals and four assists in 31 appearances. Dylan Chambost leads the Crew with seven assists. Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte has recorded seven clean sheets in 32 appearances, maintaining a 1.53 goals-against average. D.C. United, with a record of 7-13-12 and 33 points, is coming off a 2-1 loss to Toronto FC.
Why It's Important?
This match marks the second and final regular-season meeting between the two clubs in the 2026 MLS season. The Columbus Crew holds a historical advantage in the all-time regular season series, leading 36-33-14 across 83 encounters, making it the most-played fixture in D.C. United's history. D.C. United previously defeated the Crew 2-1 on September 9, snapping a nine-match winless streak against Columbus dating back to 2021. For the Crew, maintaining their winning momentum is crucial for their standing in the Eastern Conference, especially given their struggles when conceding the opening goal (2-10-2) or trailing at halftime (0-8-2). For D.C. United, a victory could help improve their road record of 2-7-7 in 2026 and potentially complete a season sweep against a strong opponent.
What's Next?
Following this match, both teams will continue their 2026 MLS regular season campaigns. D.C. United will aim to improve their overall record and road performance, while the Columbus Crew will look to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings. The outcome of this game could influence their playoff aspirations and overall league performance. Fans can watch the match live on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass, which provides access to all D.C. United matches, including exclusive pre- and post-match coverage.
Beyond the Headlines
The consistent performance of key players like Diego Rossi and Taha Habroune for the Columbus Crew, and Tai Baribo for D.C. United, highlights the importance of individual talent in MLS. Baribo leads D.C. United with 16 goals in 2026, including a perfect five-for-five from the penalty spot, demonstrating his critical role in the team's offense. The historical rivalry between these two clubs, marked by 83 meetings, underscores the competitive nature of MLS and the long-standing narratives that develop between teams. The ability of the Crew to overcome early deficits or prevent them will be a key factor in their future success, as their record indicates a significant challenge when falling behind.
