While RSL largely made voluntary changes in Mapfre Stadium, the home team was forced into several for a variety of reasons.
Crew SC dealt star forward Kei Kamara at the trade deadline, allowing backup Ola Kamara to make just his third MLS start. He entered the match without a goal or an assist.
A pair of international calls left Columbus without regular starters Cedrick Mabwati and Harrison Afful, allowing fringe U.S. Men's National Team winger Ethan Finlay back into the lineup after losing favor in a poor start to the year.
Thanks to injuries to veterans Gaston Sauro (knee) and Tyson Wahl (concussion), rookie central midfielder Rodrigo Saravia was asked to step into the center of defense for Columbus next to Michael Parkhurst.