San Diego joined MLS as the 30th team at the beginning of the season, and Columbus is the first Eastern Conference opponent for the franchise. On Tuesday, the Crew was knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 by Los Angeles FC. The early exit comes after Columbus reached the Champions Cup final last year.

The Crew are back in California for the second time in two weeks, traveling to face MLS' newest team, San Diego FC. After drawing Los Angeles FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16, the Crew were in Los Angeles for their first leg matchup of the two-game series March 4.