The Columbus Crew announced Friday morning that the Club will host English Premier League side Aston Villa as part of the Leagues Cup showcase on Saturday, July 27, at 8 p.m. from Lower.com Field. The Crew earned a bye into the Round of 32 of the Leagues Cup after winning their third MLS Cup in franchise history.

“Aston Villa is a historic English Premier League club that is in great form this year, and we have a special opportunity to host this international match in front of our supporters thanks to our Leagues Cup bye into the Round of 32 following our 2023 MLS Cup championship,” President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko said.

“The Crew is dedicated to helping take Columbus to the world through the global game of soccer, and we are fortunate to add this match to our 2024 schedule that once again includes competitions featuring international teams during the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.”

Columbus’ Leagues Cup Showcase matchup with the boys in Claret & Blue will be part of a summer stretch featuring the 2024 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target just three days prior.

“This special competition between Crew and Aston Villa — both founding members of Major League Soccer and the English Premier League — matches up two historic clubs that rank among the top of their respective leagues in championships and are also currently experiencing success on the pitch, as we start the defense of our 2023 MLS Cup and Villa is competing for a Champions League berth,” Chief of Strategy and Development Josh Glessing said.

“It will be another incredible atmosphere at Lower.com Field that further highlights Columbus is a soccer City, adding to a 2024 home schedule that already includes the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, multiple international tournaments, SheBelieves Cup, and more events that bring our community together through sports,” Glessing went on to say.

Columbus possesses a 13-6-3 record against international clubs outside of league and tournament play. The Crew recently defeated Deportivo Saprissa 2-0 at Historic Crew Stadium in 2018. Columbus’ last English Premier League side came during an international friendly, where the Crew played to a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.

Villa will be a strong test for the Black & Gold. At the time of this article, the Claret & Blue sits in fourth position in the Premier League ahead of teams such as Tottenham, Manchester United, and Chelsea.

Columbus Crew STMs will have the first opportunity to acquire tickets, while Black & Gold Next members will have special access to tickets during a presale beginning Thursday morning. Tickets for the public will be available Friday, March 1.