Two Eastern Conference clubs desperate for a win clash in Week 3. Can Columbus or DC United gain momentum, or will a draw keep both clubs stalled?

Columbus Crew SC hoped for a better season than last year, but they certainly haven’t started 2017 on the right foot. The Crew opened the year with an unimpressive draw against the (admittedly solid) Chicago Fire at home, and were delivered a 3-1 beating in Houston last week.

DC United is one of the only clubs with less to brag about thus far in the season (besides maybe Minnesota United), having yet to score their first goal in 2017. DC United opened the season with a 0-0 draw against Sporting Kansas City, and were shut out 4-0 by NYCFC in Week 2.

Here’s what to expect in Week 3 as two clubs sitting at the 8 and 9 spot in the Eastern Conference go head-to-head:

Columbus Crew

This is not how Columbus hoped to start 2017.

After an embarrassing showing against the Houston Dynamo last week, Columbus will be looking to make a statement against DC United. If Columbus can find a way to stop being one step behind in their attack, the year can take a complete 180 for the win-less Crew SC.

Creating opportunities has not been an issue in the first two matches of the season, but the Black & Gold can’t seem to find a way to finish the attack. If Columbus had been reacting quicker and shooting a second earlier, there isn’t a doubt they would have for more than two goals scored this season.

The match in Houston was ugly, but we don’t think it’s a reflection of what’s to come for Columbus. Miscommunication led to Houston scoring easily off of a corner, and an awful pass by goalkeeper Zack Steffen gave the Dynamo a gift wrapped goal with a bow on top. Columbus will be eager to put those mistakes behind them, and cleanse their pallet in Week 3.

DC United

It’s been a rough opening for DC United. The midfield has been a disaster with the preseason injury of star player Luciano Acosta, and the remaining midfielders have been anything but impressive in the opening weeks of the season.

The inability for DC United to keep the ball in the midfield has led to an inability to create scoring chances, which has led to a scoreless two weeks.

DC United currently has the second to worst goal differential following Week 2 with -4 (Minnesota has -9, which is hard to beat), and a goal in Week 3 would have to be a huge moral boost for the Black & Red.

Prediction

Both clubs enter week three winless with a 0-1-1 record. This match is a tough one to predict, as neither club have been particularly inspiring in the early 2017 season.

However, Columbus have shown the potential to be a much better club than their record shows. With DC United’s midfield woes, the Crew SC may be given even more opportunities to get the ball to Ola Kamara, which can be a very bad thing for DC.

We don’t expect either club to really solve their major issues by Week 3. However, Columbus is great at creating chances, and DC United hasn’t been great at stopping said chances; so, Columbus may have the edge in Week 3 to get their first win of the season.

How to watch

Matchday: Saturday, March 18, 2017 7:00PM EST

MLS LIVE · CW Columbus · Spectrum Sports OH · BCSN2 · News Channel 8

How do you see this Week 3 Eastern Conference matchup playing out? Keep the conversation flowing in the comment section at the bottom of the page, and stay right here on MLS Multiplex all season long for predictions, recaps, and more.