Omni-match: Columbus Crew vs Woof Woof Tiajuana | Preseason Match #2 - 31/01/19 1:00 PM ET

It's pre season. The fans have to gain match fitness as well.

 

I am home again because UA called off. According to this thread, I am not able to sit around drinking and watching Crew at 1. So sad. I would suppose years have gone by since I last sat around drinking while “watching” some text updates about Crew on a screen. Rewinding 15+ years. Someone want to watch my kids?

 

Happy F5 Thursday everyone!

 

So I've seen this match labeled as behind closed doors, does anyone know what that exactly means? No fans obviously but are media present? I know the new Dispatch beat reporter isn't there but maybe other media. Is it just the players and technical staff? How much info are we going to see from this? There were fans at the Vissel Kobe match and there was barely any information coming from that one.

I know there's some sort of Crew social media presence there as there was a Mensah takeover on Instagram a couple days ago. Hope they are taking some video so we can see the first 2019 Crew goal that I have to imagine will be coming today!

 

Get ready for a visit from the typo brigade, you stupid, dumb losing loser.

 

at least he isnt roma.

 

Nothing on Xolos or Crew twitter yet.

 

I've had better days...

 

We have a lineup!

Here's the first half XI for #Crew96 🆚 Club Tijuana 👇 pic.twitter.com/bwbUfs28Fp

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) January 31, 2019

 

starters

Here's the first half XI for #Crew96 🆚 Club Tijuana 👇 pic.twitter.com/bwbUfs28Fp

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) January 31, 2019

 

GK - Kempin
D - Abubakar, Crognale, Keita, Maloney
MF - Meram, Jimenez, Berhalter, Donawa
F - Opoku, Mullins

no idea regarding captain

 

Jimenez would be my guess although Meram is a possibility.

 

I like the idea of Opoku being a free wheeling forward with the flexibility to go where there is space and Mullins to be the target forward.

I don't know much about Keita besides I assumed he was a natural CB, does he have the speed/touch to play the typical wingback position we've seen recently? That's gotta be what Maloney does as I don't see much backline skills in his game.

For midfield, I see Jimenez & Berhalter playing more in the defensive/posession style with Meram and Donawa attacking from the wings. Berhalter & Donawa could be switched for all I know about their style of play though.

Of note for GK, Kempin has gotten the start both games so far. I assume today will be a whole sale line switch at half and we'll see Bendik then. It would be nice if Lundgaard could get some time though.

 

It should be halftime by now and no score. I wonder if the result is top secret and it's only open to media for B-roll and individual player observations.

 

I'd bet it didn't start at 1 like listed and start time was closer to when that lineup tweet went out. Probably only 35 minute halves like on Monday night so halftime probably shouldnt be too much longer.

 

Didn't dig too hard but doesn't look like anyone is livetweeting the match. Club Tijuana twitter hasn't even mentioned it and I could only find a couple people tweeting about it even happening.

 

1-0 to the Massive Crew at half

A 1-0 advantage at half for #Crew96! pic.twitter.com/N6KcIO51fG

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) January 31, 2019

 

Who scored? No one knows! Let your imagination run! Crogdor with a 40 yard screamer is my guess!

 

Here's the XI to start half ✌️ // #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/JMIpg3sDRZ

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) January 31, 2019

2nd half lineup already!

Edit: Looks like back to trusty 4-2-3-1. And it's anticipated-starter heavy and a lineup that wouldn't surprise me if it happens at some point in the season (with exception to JJ up top). Who knows what kind of lineup Xolos is playing though.

 

2nd half lineup (not sure if tweet images show up in mobile)

GK - Bendik
D - Mensah, Valenzuela, Sauro, Afful
MF - Argudo, Santos, Artur, Higuain, Robinho
F - Williams

 

1-0 win!

Full Time from Chula Vista! // #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/j4yWZYtJ72

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) January 31, 2019