Fresh off a draw with a rival, the Columbus Crew faces another one Saturday night when they clash with the New York Red Bulls in Red Bull Arena.
Three Things to Know
4 – The Crew enters the fourth match of the season with four points from its first three games and encouraging performances. At this point in the season, it’s important for players to become more comfortable playing with head coach Wilfried Nancy’s preferred style and tactics – against a Red Bulls side that probably has the most established club identity in the league.
8 – Aidan Morris was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday earlier this week after an influential performance against Toronto FC last Saturday. Morris’ beautiful chip to Jimmy Medranda led to the match’s equalizer, and it iterated Morris’ quality on both ends of the pitch. The 21-year-old midfielder leads the league with 10 tackles and has 90.9% passing accuracy in his three starts alongside Darlington Nagbe.
2 – The home side enters Saturday night still seeking a first win in the young campaign. New York has two points from its first three games, which includes draws in the two previous matchups. A team known for its high press, it’ll be an interesting matchup to see how Nancy’s Crew pounce on the opposition’s aggression and generate attacking chances on the other end of the pitch. Interesting sidenote: Speaking of the Red Bull’s aggression, they’ve attempted 37 shots this season through three games. Opponents have attempted 22. If New York deploys a high press, Columbus will have to break it to avoid a defensive bombardment.
When They Last Met
The last meeting was arguably the high point of the 2022 season – at least in terms of drama – as the Crew trailed, 1-0, late in the match on Oct. 1. Former Crew forward Derrick Etienne Jr., against his old club, produced the equalizer in the 89th minute, then sealed the three points with a 93rd-minute goal. With a comeback complete, it was bedlam inside Lower.com Field. The clubs drew, 1-1, in their last meeting at Red Bull Arena, on Mar. 20, 2022.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew at New York Red Bulls
When: Saturday, Mar. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Red Bull Arena
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
How to Listen: 97.1 HD3/The Fan Stream, La Mega 103.1 FM
Current Standings: Columbus Crew – Ninth in Eastern Conference; New York Red Bulls – 12th in Eastern Conference
Bring your crew
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
