Seattle Sounders v Columbus Crew: Players’ mentality more important than performance, says Nancy

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy is pleased with his side’s mentality despite a drop in performance levels.

The Crew, who are fourth in the Eastern Conference, moved within three points of the leaders, the Philadelphia Union, after beating them 1-0 last time out.

Mohamed Farsi scored the only goal in what was a cagey clash between two rivals in the East.

Despite being disappointed with the Crew’s overall display, Nancy was proud of how his team managed to see the win through.

“I did not like the game – simple as that,” said Nancy. “I didn't like it. I cannot lie. It could happen.

“What I like is the mindset of my players, and I'm really, really proud of that because it's not easy to play against this team. They don't quit, they run, they run and they fight.

“We did well on that. After that, with the ball we struggled to connect, and we struggled to recognise the player in behind on the weak side or in between. Again, good for the mental aspect.

“Obviously, a clean sheet, this is always good. It means that defensively the guys did a really good job. It's been a long time so this is a good way to do it. We could have had more clean sheets, but in terms of execution, it was not good. Today, it was a bit better.”

The Crew will look to extend their three-match winning streak when they face the Seattle Sounders.

The Sounders returned from Club World Cup action with a 2-0 win over Austin FC, leaving them fifth in the Western Conference.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak

Attacking midfielder Albert Rusnak is on course for another top-class campaign with the Sounders.

He has scored seven goals and provided three assists so far this season, after 10 goals and 12 assists in 2024.

Columbus Crew – Diego Rossi

Diego Rossi has been the Crew’s main attacking threat this season, scoring nine goals and registering three assists.

The Uruguayan forward has directly contributed to a goal in five of his last seven matches.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Seattle are unbeaten over their last five regular-season matches (W3 D2) against Columbus going back to May 2018, tied with the Portland Timbers for the second-longest active unbeaten streak against the Crew (Inter Miami – 7).

Both of the Sounders’ draws against the Crew in that time came in their two home games.

The Crew have lost two straight regular-season matches on the road for the first time since July and August 2023, including a 5-1 loss at Inter Miami in their last road game.

The Sounders have won three, drawn one, and lost two of their last six MLS matches. The Crew have the same record in that time, but they have won each of their last three.

Seattle returned from the Club World Cup with a 2-0 win over Austin at Lumen Field, their second multi-goal shutout this season in MLS, both of which have been at home.

Last season, Seattle joint-led MLS with five home multi-goal shutouts, alongside Orlando City and the Columbus Crew.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Seattle Sounders – 34.8%

Draw – 25.9%

Columbus Crew – 39.3%