COLUMBUS – MAPFRE Stadium will play host to Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinal action on Halloween night (8 p.m. ET) when Columbus Crew SC hosts New York City FC in the first leg of their home-and-home playoff.
Columbus hasn’t lost at home in its last seven matches and is unbeaten in its last 11 matches. NYCFC will attempt to knock off the Black & Gold on Tuesday evening in the Buckeye state.
Here's what you can expect to see:
Expect goals
In the seven all-time meetings between Crew SC and NYCFC, there has been no shortage of scoring. That will make for an interesting series that is decided by goal differential. Columbus has scored 15 goals in those seven matches, 10 of which came at home at MAPFRE Stadium. New York City owns 17 goals against Crew SC and 10 while playing in Ohio.
Crew SC midfielder Justin Meram and forward Ola Kamara both have scored three times against NYCFC, and midfielder Federico Higuain has scored twice and assisted four times.
City forward David Villa has found the back of net seven times in his six games against the Black & Gold, with a brace coming on Oct. 22 in the two teams draw at Citi Field.
Déjà vu
The Black & Gold met New York City just nine days ago on MLS Decision Day in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw. Tuesday’s match will be Crew SC’s fourth match over a span of 16 days.
The two teams met early in the MLS season on April 22 in a game that saw NYCFC defeat Columbus at home by a score of 3-2.
The final leg of the semifinals will occur on Sunday, Nov. 5 in New York City.
Trick-or-Treat!
Crew SC's Conference Semifinal falls on All Hallows' Eve, meaning that the Black & Gold will invite trick-or-treaters to dress up and explore the MAPFRE Stadium plaza from 6:30 p.m. ET until kickoff (8 p.m. ET). For the above-age (21-years-old or older) supporters looking for a frothy treat, all beers will be $5 on the plaza from 6:30-8 p.m. ET.
