Our prediction for this MLS match:
Real Salt Lake
Match Time & Date:
26/06/2022
04:00
Prediction: 2-1
Columbus Crew
Real Salt Lake and Columbus Crew go head to head at Rio Tinto Stadium in what is expected to be an interesting MLS game. The Royals quickly bounced back from a 2-1 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps, with the team beating San Jose Earthquakes 2-0, with the team regaining a much-needed confidence. Real Salt Lake aim to overtake Los Angeles FC in top position, and we are positive that they will adopt an attack-minded approach in Sunday’s clash.
The Crew, on the other hand, have yet to find their best form, with the team collecting only 17 points from possible 42. Columbus have recorded no more than one triumph on the road this term, which is probably the main reason why home win should be considered. All Kreilach, Menendez, Halsey, and Farnsworth are injured for the hosts, while Pedro Santos is rated doubtful for the visiting side.
Highlighted Player (Justin Meram):
Over the years Justin Meram has established himself as one of the best Iraqi footballers. The centre forward, who is capable of playing as a winger as well, was born in Shelby Charter Township, Michigan on December 4, 1988, but he represents Iraq on the international stage.
During his college career Justin Meram played for the likes of Yavapai Roughriders and Michigan Wolverines and in 2011 he joined MLS club Columbus Crew. Meram scored 37 goals in 188 appearances for the club in MLS before signing a deal with Orlando City in January, 2018.
The Iraq international made his debut for the Lions in a 1-1 draw with DC United on March 4 and he scored his first goal for the club on May 14 in a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United. As for his international career, Justin Meram made his Iraq debut in November, 2014 in a 1-0 defeat to Kuwait. The Orlando City attacker wears the number 9 shirt.
Highlighted Team (Columbus Crew):
Columbus Crew are an American soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio. The Black & Gold participate in the Eastern Conference and in 2008 they won both the conference and the MLS CUP final. Columbus Crew defeated New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup final, with the likes of Moreno, Marshall and Hejduk scoring for the Black & Gold in the title game.
The club welcome their rivals at Mapfre Stadium, the venue which was opened on May, 15 1999. The current capacity of the stadium is 19.968 and it has to be noted that Mapfre Stadium is the first soccer-specific venue ever built for a MLS club.
A number of high-profile players were part of Columbus Crew in the past, but Guillermo Barros Schelotto is the most famous footballer that wore the black and yellow shirt. Schelotto played for Columbus Crew from 2007 to 2010 and during his spell with the Mapfre Stadium outfit the Black & Gold won the aforementioned MLS Cup.
