MLS Match Preview: Columbus Crew SC (13-8-12) vs. New York Red Bulls (12-14-7)

0
81
Columbus Crew SC logo

Venue & Game Info

Location: Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way, Columbus, OH 43215

Kickoff: 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT)

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV), Red Bulls Radio

Weather Update

Columbus Forecast (Oct. 18, 2025): Clear skies, 63°F at kickoff, light winds (5–7 mph). Excellent fall soccer conditions.

Team recent Form

Columbus Crew: Winless in last 3 home matches (0-2-1). Drew 1–1 at Orlando last week. Have dropped points from winning positions in 3 of last 4.

New York Red Bulls: Eliminated from playoff contention. Lost 1–0 to Cincinnati last week. On a two-game losing streak, with 10 of their 14 losses this season by just one goal.

Injury Report

Columbus: No major injuries reported; Wilfried Nancy expected to field strongest XI.

New York: No significant absences, but squad rotation possible with postseason out of reach.

Player Matchups

Cucho Hernández (CLB): 15 goals this season, Crew’s main scoring threat.

Diego Rossi (CLB): Creative winger, 8 assists.

Emil Forsberg (NYR): Captain, 3 goals in 5 career matches vs. Columbus.

Lewis Morgan (NYR): 10 goals this season, dangerous on the counter.

Goalkeepers: Patrick Schulte (CLB) vs. Carlos Coronel (NYR, 10 shutouts this season).

Series History

All-time MLS meetings: 82

Crew lead: 35 wins – 33 losses – 14 draws

Recent trend: Red Bulls unbeaten in last 3 across all competitions vs. Columbus.

At Lower.com Field: Crew have won last 3 regular-season meetings, including a 3–0 victory in 2024.

Betting Trends

Columbus: 8-3-5 at home this season, but winless in last 3 at Lower.com Field.

New York: Only 2 away wins all season; chasing first back-to-back road wins since 2021.

Crew: 7 of last 10 games have gone Over 2.5 goals.

Red Bulls: Failed to win 5 matches when scoring first this season, dropping 12 points.

MATCH ODDS

Columbus Crew SC – 150               Draw + 270         New York Red Bulls + 350

Over 2.5 – 120                   Under 2.5 + 100

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, October 17, 2025

Previous articleFBS-CFB Game Preview: Mississippi Rebels (6-0) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (5-1)
Next articleMLS Match Preview: Nashville SC (16-11-6) vs. Inter Miami FC (18-7-8)
MLS Editor
Profile: A dedicated Major League Soccer analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and rapidly expanding competitive landscape. This columnist provides in‑depth coverage that blends match‑film study, advanced metrics, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern MLS. Background: With extensive experience covering professional soccer across North America, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term club development across all MLS markets. Signature Coverage Areas: Match previews and tactical breakdowns Player performance evaluation and advanced statistical analysis Transfer‑window movement, roster‑building strategy, and academy development Coaching philosophies, formation trends, and league‑wide tactical shifts Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex tactical concepts and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time MLS supporters and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for MLS’s growth, diversity, and evolving identity within global soccer.