MLS Preview: Kansas City Wizards v. Columbus Crew

Kansas City Wizards v. Columbus Crew
When: 8 pm ET
Where: CommunityAmerica Ballpark, Kansas City, KS

The Gist: Columbus was one of KC’s destinations that led to a loss on their six-game road trip as the Crew jumped out to a two goal and one man advantage in the first half and never looked back. However, Columbus heads to the Ballpark in poor form, dropping three straight in all competitions. The lone positive out of their midweek Open Cup loss was the fact that they scored a goal. The Kansas City defense has been suspect at times, despite the regular presence of Jimmy Conrad, and the Crew’s offense could regain its form that put them atop the Eastern Conference early in the season.

Why You Should Care: The two teams feature impressive Argentine offensive players: Guillermo Barros Schelotto for Columbus, Claudio Lopez and, to a lesser extent, Carlos Marinelli for the Wizards. However, the trio have disappointed of late.

Marinelli will likely be on the bench from the start and only used as a sub should Kansas City need a goal. Lopez has just two goals since arriving, although one of those did come against the Crew in their previous meeting. The Louse needs to start linking up with Davy Arnaud, who is desperate to get off the schnide, if the Wizards are going to have any life in attack.

Schelotto for his part has not recorded an assist in his past four games, which coincides with the Crew’s current winless streak. With defenders Chad Marshall and Frankie Hejduk missing this game, Columbus will find themselves in the rare spot of having to outscore the opponents should their defensive replacements not be up to the task.

He’s So Hot Right Now: Emmanuel Ekpo. The Nigerian midfielder has size and pace that could put the Kansas City defense on their heels all night. Ekpo scored in the Crew’s loss to Chicago in the Open Cup qualifier and could start on the right side of midfield. His attacking mentality makes him an ideal target for Schelotto.

Prediction: Kansas City Wizards 2, Columbus Crew 1

-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com USA