Match Summary
Columbus Crew defeated Real Salt Lake 4:0. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2023. Goals were scored by A. Morris 14′, L. Zelarayán 41′ (pen.), A. Morris 53′, Y. Yeboah 90′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Columbus Crew had 59% possession while Real Salt Lake held 41%. Columbus Crew had 18 shots (6 on target) compared to 8 (5 on target) for Real Salt Lake. Expected goals: Columbus Crew 3.67 — Real Salt Lake 0.62. Columbus Crew made 5 substitutions, Real Salt Lake made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake — 4 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Zelarayán
Penalty
assist: M. Arfsten
Match Statistics
Columbus Crew had 59% possession against Real Salt Lake's 41%. Columbus Crew registered 18 shots (6 on target) while Real Salt Lake managed 8 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 4–2. Fouls committed: 13–10.
Lineups
Columbus Crew lined up in a 3-4-3 formation under W. Nancy, while Real Salt Lake deployed a 4-4-2 under P. Mastroeni.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Columbus Crew is 6.88, compared to 6.96 for Real Salt Lake. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Columbus Crew's highest-rated starter is S. Moreira (6.90), while Real Salt Lake's best-rated player is J. Glad (7.07).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Columbus Crew have contributed 1 goals and 2 assists this season, led by S. Moreira (1G). Real Salt Lake's starters account for 4 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by B. Ojeda (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Columbus Crew deploy 3 defenders rated 6.90 on average, against Real Salt Lake's 4-man backline averaging 7.00. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Columbus Crew field 4 midfielders averaging 6.90, versus Real Salt Lake's 5 rated 6.93. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Columbus Crew start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Real Salt Lake averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 53% for Columbus Crew and 52% for Real Salt Lake. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Columbus Crew's starters have collected 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 27 for Real Salt Lake. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Columbus Crew's starting XI is 29.0 (youngest: P. Schulte (24), oldest: D. Nagbe (35)), while Real Salt Lake average 28.0 (youngest: B. Ojeda (25), oldest: M. Chang (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Columbus Crew's starters average 30 league appearances each, versus 28 for Real Salt Lake. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Columbus Crew have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Real Salt Lake show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Columbus Crew
Real Salt Lake
API data: 15 Mar 2026