Columbus Crew vs Minnesota United 7/28/20 - MLS Picks & Predictions

On Tuesday, the Columbus Crew play the Minnesota United Loons in the MLS is Back Tournament’s round of 16. Columbus has easily been the best club thus far in the tournament but will be facing a tough Minnesota group. Columbus finished first in Group E after winning each of its three matches and finishing with a perfect nine points. The Crew are considered favorites to win the tournament with such a strong start.

Columbus defeated FC Cincinnati in the first match of the tournament 4-0, following that with a strong defensive outing to beat the New York Red Bulls 2-0 and completed their perfect group stage play with a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United. Gyasi Zardes is the leading goal scorer for Columbus with four while Lucas Zelarayan has scored three and Zelarayan is the assist leader with two.

Minnesota finished second in Group D with one win and a pair of draws in its three matches. The Loons are without their best defender Ike Opara who is the Defender of the Year from last season in the MLS. Nonetheless, Minnesota has played well enough to reach the knockout stage highlighted by a comeback 2-1 win in their opening match to defeat Sporting Kansas City that was followed by two straight draws.

Minnesota opened its play in Group D with a 2-1 victory over Sporting KC and followed that with a 0-0 draw with Real Salt Lake and a round of 16 clinching 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids. Kevin Molino is the leading goal scorer for Minnesota with three, while Ethan Finlay, Luis Amarilla and Ike Opara each have two. The leader in assists is Jan Gregus with four.