Supporters’ XI: NYCFC

Columbus Crew SC doesn’t have time to enjoy the team’s convincing 3-0 Phase 1 restart victory against the Chicago Fire, as the Black & Gold continue their trek of six matches in a little over three weeks on Monday against New York City FC.

Thursday’s win, at a supporter-less MAPFRE Stadium, saw Derrick Etienne Jr. and Gyasi Zardes scoring goals and Darlington Nagbe scoring something that simply calling a “goal” doesn’t give it enough credit. The Fire had its chances on offense, but the Columbus defense held the opponent in check.

On the team sheet against Chicago, the big talking point in the hour leading up to the match was the absence of playmaker Lucas Zelarayan. Pedro Santos took over his offensive distributor role, but his absence was noticeable. As it turned out, head coach Caleb Porter shutdown Zelarayan after he played through the MLS is Back Tournament at 80 percent health due to an ankle injury. There is no official word on if he will be available for Monday’s match, but he didn’t close the door on the possibility.

With a quick turnaround and travel to New York, Porter’s Monday team selection will show if he’s looking to leverage the squad depth across the entire 11, or plug in based on individual fitness.

It’s time for you to decide who you think should start. Did Sebastian Berhalter and Emmanuel Boateng’s time on the pitch warrant seeing them in a starting position? Is Youness Mokhtar’s injury, and Derrick Etienne Jr.’s successful minutes, making the winger debate more difficult?

Make your selections below for the Supporters’ XI. Massive Report will share your selections, alongside choices from a site contributor, on the day of the match.