Match Preview: Huntsville City FC vs Columbus Crew 2
After a disappointing road loss to Cincinnati, Huntsville City FC returns home for the first time in nearly a month to take on the visiting Columbus Crew 2.
The Rocket Men currently sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, though with at least one game in hand on many of the clubs ahead of them.
On the other hand, for the Capybaras of Columbus, it’s been a disappointing campaign for a club that’s reached at least the Conference Final in each of the last three seasons as they sit dead last in the East, having collected just a paltry 13 points from 15 games played.
Match Details
Date: Friday, July 18th, 2025
Time: 7:00PM CST (local)
Location: Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium, Huntsville, Alabama
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+
Head Coaches: Chris O’Neal (HNT), Federico Higuaín (CLB)
Lineup Prediction
This is the least sure I’ve been in a lineup prediction in weeks, but it is what it is.
Erik Lauta starts in goal, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see Xavier Valdez here. Further players I wouldn’t be surprised to see will be in parentheses after the player I think they could replace here.
The back four consists of Gabi Alonso (Jordan Knight, Tyshawn Rose), Kevin Carmichael (Wyatt Meyer), Zach Barrett and Blake Bowen. In midfield I have Ethan O’Brien (Pep Casas) and Moises Véliz (Philip Mayaka).
Up front, it’s a four man attack of Gunnar Studenhofft, Christian Koffi, Real Gill (Damien Barker John), and Alan Carleton.
Analysis & Prediction
Given the Capybaras’ struggles, and the fact this is a home game, this is absolutely must-win for Huntsville. They’ve been inconsistent of late, and this could be just the get-right game they need.
I think, even if it isn’t a get-right game, Huntsville does complete the job. Give me Huntsville 4-1, with two goals from Studenhofft, and one each from Carleton and Gill.
We’ll see you later tonight with a recap!