The defending MLS champion Columbus Crew face Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET in their first-ever meeting. This matchup carries extra significance given the history between the clubs, as former Crew owner Anthony Precourt now owns Austin FC after his failed attempt to relocate the Crew in 2019.

The Crew enter following a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia Union, where their offense struggled without playmaker Lucas Zelarayan for the first half. Currently tied for fourth in the East with 14 points, Columbus boasts one of the league's best defenses, conceding just 7 goals in 9 matches.

Key Points:

• Striker Gyasi Zardes has found his form with 3 goals in his last 3 starts
• Goalkeeper Eloy Room returned to the lineup after missing one match in quarantine
• The Crew have played one fewer game than most teams ahead of them in standings

Austin FC continues to struggle offensively with just one goal in their last six matches. They opened their new Q2 Stadium with a 0-0 draw against San Jose in front of 20,738 fans. Cecilio Dominguez leads the team with 3 goals, while Diego Fagundez has contributed 2.

Betting Odds:

• Austin FC: +143
• Columbus Crew: +195
• Draw: +220
• Under 2.5 goals: -120
• Over 2.5 goals: -106

Despite being underdogs, the Crew are expected to come out strong against Precourt's Austin FC in what should be an emotionally charged match for both teams and their supporters.

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