The defending MLS champion Columbus Crew travels to Austin FC's Q2 Stadium for their first-ever meeting on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. Coming off a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia Union, the Crew aims to bounce back in this nationally televised match.

This game carries extra significance due to former Crew owner Anthony Precourt, now Austin's owner, who previously attempted to relocate the Crew before the #SaveTheCrew movement kept the team in Columbus in 2019.

Recent Form

• Columbus Crew: Currently tied for 4th in the East with 14 points, having played fewer games than most teams ahead of them
• Defense remains strong, allowing just 7 goals in 9 games (third-best in MLS)
• Striker Gyasi Zardes finding form with 3 goals in last 3 starts

Austin FC Status

• Struggling offensively with just 1 goal in last 6 games
• Only scored in 4 of 10 contests this season
• Recently opened Q2 Stadium with a 0-0 draw vs San Jose
• Key players: Cecilio Dominguez (3 goals), Diego Fagundez (2 goals)

Betting Lines

• Austin FC: +143
• Columbus Crew: +195
• Draw: +220
• Goals: Under 2.5 (-120), Over 2.5 (-106)

Analysis expects Columbus to come out aggressive early, motivated by the Precourt storyline and their need to bounce back from the midweek loss. Their strong defense and Zardes' recent form suggest they could control this match against Austin's struggling offense.

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