By Mariana Smithfield

Mo Farsi Crew Defender March 9, 2024 Crew 2 Chicago Fire FC 1 Post-Match Locker Room.mp3

Match Notes:

• The Crew earned a 2-1 win against Chicago Fire FC in tonight’s home match at Lower.com Field.
  • With the home victory, the Black & Gold have earned seven points (2-0-1) through their first three MLS matches, tied for the second highest such total to begin a season (nine in 2014, 3-0-0). It marks the eighth time in franchise history the Crew have recorded seven or more points through the first three matches of a campaign (seven points, 2-0-1 in 2003, 2010, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024).
  • The win also marks the first time the Crew have won their first two home matches in three consecutive seasons, dating back to the first full season at Lower.com Field in 2022. All time, the Black & Gold have opened 10 seasons with a 2-0-0 record at home (1997, 1998, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024).
  • The Black & Gold have netted at least one goal in all their 2024 MLS matches to date. The Club has scored in their first three matches each of the past three seasons (2022-2024), the longest such streak in Club history.
  • Including the postseason, Columbus has scored in 17 consecutive MLS matches, registering 35 goals in that stretch.
  • The Crew are unbeaten in their last six MLS matches against the Fire, owning a 5-0-1 record and scoring 12 goals in that span.
• Defender Mohamed Farsi scored a right-footed game-winning goal (100’) for the Crew, his first career MLS score.
  • Farsi’s goal is currently listed at 99:45, which would be the latest game-winning goal during regulation in MLS regular season history.
• Forward Jacen Russell-Rowe scored a right-footed goal in the 68th minute from outside the penalty area to open the scoring for the Crew.
  • The strike marks the first goal of the season for the Canadian forward.
  • Russell-Rowe how has five goals in his MLS career. It was his first since the 89^th minute strike against Toronto FC on August 26, 2023
  • The 2022 MLS NEXT Pro MVP and Golden Boot winner was named today’s Nationwide Man of the Match for his performance.
• Midfielder Darlington Nagbe today appeared in his 104th consecutive regular season match, a streak that dates to May 1, 2021, with the Black & Gold. Nagbe has now surpassed Bobby Boswell (103 from 2013-16) for the second-longest stretch by a non-goalkeeper in MLS annals.
• Forward Marino Hinestroza started in his MLS debut tonight, logging 59 minutes, 15 accurate passes (79 percent pass accuracy), 37 touches, one tackle and one ground duel won.
• Midfielder Derrick Jones made his Columbus Crew debut tonight, recording four minutes played, six accurate passes (100 percent pass accuracy), 11 touches and two ground duels won.
• Today’s attendance of 20,327 marked the 19th consecutive MLS sellout at Lower.com Field.

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