Columbus Crew SC plays host to New York City FC at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. This is the second meeting between the two clubs, and it’ll make out to be a great matchup.

Columbus Crew SC are coming off of a bye week, and are eyeing their fourth win of the season. The previous match before the bye came in the last leg of the Trillium Cup, where they were shut out 3-0 by the Toronto FC.

A disappointing season for Crew SC sees the Black and Gold sit in ninth in the Eastern Conference with only 19 points.

There are many keys to this upcoming match for the Black and Gold, but the main one is to win. There’s also a couple of players to watch for from the struggling Crew SC side. Midfielder Federico Higuain is back in the squad after missing weeks due to hernia surgery, so look for his presence in the midfield. Also, look for Ola Kamara in the striker role. Kamara can get on the end of loose balls and centered balls inside the box to get goals, which is vital for Crew SC.

New York City FC

On the opposition side, New York City FC are living the dream. A team that entered the league just last season, are sitting on top of the Eastern Conference with 37 points.

NYCFC are coming into this match off of a scoreless draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. Chances were created, NYCFC just couldn’t find the back of the net to grab three points.

New York City FC will need to follow one key to the game, and that is to break down the depleted Crew SC backline. Whether it be with crosses, through balls, or counter attacks, the backline of Crew SC is lacking defending, NYCFC will need to hit them hard.

Players are finally coming alive for the squad, notably in Frank Lampard and David Villa. Players alike with high calibers, they will be the focus of the NYCFC team, and will put on a show for all of the fans in attendance.

Last meeting

The last matchup between the two teams saw Crew SC defeat NYCFC at the beginning of the season. Crew SC won the match at home by a score of 3-2. Villa scored twice in the match, but it wasn’t enough as Crew SC players Ethan Finlay, Kei Kamara, and Justin Meram were able to hold on for a 3-2 victory

Justin Meram and former NYCFC player Kwadwo Poku battle for possession. | Photo: Major League Soccer
Justin Meram and former NYCFC player Kwadwo Poku battle for possession. | Photo: Major League Soccer

The referee for this match will be Sorin Stoica. The AR manning the team bench side is Sean Hurd, while the opposite AR will be Anthony Vasoli. The fourth official on the side is Silviu Petrescu.

Projected Lineups

Here is the projected lineup for Crew SC. They will lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The head coach is Gregg Berhalter. 

Clark;

Ashe--Wahl--Parkhurst--Afful

Tchani--Trapp

Meram--Higuain--Mabwati

Kamara

Here is the projected lineup for NYCFC. They will lineup in a 4-3-3 formation. The head coach is Patrick Vieira. 

Saunders;

Allen--Chanot--Brillant--Hernandez

Pirlo--Iraola--Lampard

McNamara--Villa--Harrison

Prediction

Given the form of NYCFC and Crew SC, it's pretty clear to see who the better team is this season. But, given the series record, Crew SC have the upper hand. This match will be a great one to watch, and will end up with a NYCFC win. 

Columbus Crew SC 1-3 New York City FC

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About the author
Tyler Fisher
Contributor to Last Word On Sports. Main editor for USMNT and MLS content on VAVEL USA.