After latest Cup final experience, Crew back in MLS action in D.C.

The Columbus Crew are playing matches of note just about every time they take the pitch.

Though perhaps on a different level, D.C. United have hit the nitty-gritty stage of their season.

The teams play Saturday night in Washington, with the Crew looking to refocus on MLS matters and maintain their lofty position.

The Crew played for the Campeones Cup on Wednesday night, falling in a penalty shootout against visiting Club America following a 1-1 draw.

With the Crew regularly in so many finals this year -- they lost the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, then won the Leagues Cup title -- they've had to manage all the factors that goes with a jacked-up schedule.

Still, such matches help the Crew keep their edge.

"It's more a privilege to play this many games," coach Wilfried Nancy said. "We'll see what you can control. This is the idea (to play these kind of matches)."

Columbus (16-5-8, 56 points) is looking for its third straight win in MLS play.

D.C. United (8-13-9, 33 points) is fresh off its second-most lopsided loss of the season with Sunday's 4-0 road setback to the Philadelphia Union.

But before that, D.C. United had a three-match unbeaten string in MLS play.

D.C. United coach Troy Lesesne said he understands the critical nature of the remaining assignments.

"Four matches that are equally as important," he said, noting that the performance against Philadelphia wasn't acceptable.

But there's another chance even with a daunting assignment vs. Columbus.

"Urgency is the word," Lesesne said. "Take the game to Columbus as much as we can."

D.C. United and the Crew played to a 1-1 draw on April 6 in Columbus. Aidan Morris scored for the Crew, but he's no longer with the team and playing in Europe.

D.C. United's goal in that matchup came from Christian Benteke, who's one tally shy of 20 goals for the season. He has scored at least one goal in four of his last six MLS matches.

The Crew are cognizant that the workload can be a strain on players like veteran midfielder Darlington Nagbe.

"If he's not good, I'm going to sub him (out)," Nancy said when asked about Nagbe in particular.

As part of the trip, the Crew visited the White House on Friday to be recognized for their 2023 MLS Cup championship. The franchise didn't make a White House visit to be honored for the 2020 championship because of COVID-19 protocols.

"Everyone is excited," said Nagbe, the team captain. "We have a lot of guys from different countries."

--Field Level Media