Columbus Crew captain Sean Zawadzki believes his team-mates must "mentally and physically" prepare for a busy schedule, which starts against the Colorado Rapids in MLS this weekend.

The Crew are bottom of the Eastern Conference after winning just 20 points from their 22 games this season, losing 3-1 to the New England Revolution last time out.

Columbus have lost each of their last four games across all competitions, including their Leagues Cup quarter-final against Club America.

The Crew now have six games to play in September, with five in MLS along with their U.S. Open Cup semi-final against Orlando City.

Zawadzki insists they are ready to face the Rapids, but he knows they must prepare for another testing period.

"Colorado is already on our minds. We're ready for it," Zawadzki said.

"How can we mentally and physically prepare ourselves for that game, and then everything that comes after?

"Because we know we have really big games coming up, and then the Open Cup comes along too. A semi-final game at home.

"So, it's rest now because it's going to come again, and how can we prepare ourselves to be physically and mentally ready for that long stretch?

"You always want to try and win trophies when it's possible, and so we put ourselves in a position to do that. And obviously, it means more games, less rest. But I don't think we would change a thing."

Colorado, meanwhile, are seventh in the West after winning five of their last seven MLS games.

They defeated rivals Real Salt Lake 1-0 last time out to retain the Rocky Mountain Cup.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus Crew – Patrick Schulte

Schulte recorded eight saves in the Crew’s loss to New England, equalling his single-match high (twice in 2023).

It also ties Schulte with Eloy Room (four times) and Steve Clark (once) for the most saves in a league match by any Crew goalkeeper over the last 15 seasons.

Colorado Rapids – Reggie Cannon

Cannon scored Colorado’s lone goal against RSL, which was his second goal over his last four MLS matches.

Prior to that, Cannon had netted once in 43 career regular-season matches for the Rapids.

MATCH PREDICTION – COLUMBUS CREW WIN

Colombus and Colorado will meet for the first time since a 3-2 home win by the Crew in May 2023.

All eight meetings between the two sides since 2014 have either finished in a draw or been decided by a single goal.

Columbus have lost five straight matches across all competitions, most recently falling 3-1 at home to New England.

It is the Crew's longest losing streak since losing six straight in July and August 2021.

Colorado, meanwhile, registered their seventh shutout win of the 2026 regular season with a 1-0 triumph against Real Salt Lake. It is the Rapids’ most clean sheet wins in league play since 2022 (also seven), while their last season with more was 2021 (10).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus Crew – 48.6%

Draw – 24.2%

Colorado Rapids – 27.2%