The Columbus Crew face NYCFC at Yankee Stadium in a crucial MLS matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Crew enter unbeaten in their last six matches (2W, 4D) and have already defeated NYCFC twice this season.

Key Players & Team Updates:

• Lucas Zelarayan leads Columbus with 5 goals (4 from free kicks)
• Darlington Nagbe and Pedro Santos are the only Crew players to start every MLS game in 2021
• Gyasi Zardes (USMNT) and Liam Fraser (Canada) are unavailable due to Gold Cup duty
• Eloy Room returns in goal after missing time, posting two clean sheets

NYCFC Outlook:

• Lead MLS with +11 goal differential
• Jesus Medina leads with 7 goals in 14 games
• Missing Sean Johnson (Gold Cup) and James Sands
• Luis Barraza filling in at goalkeeper (2 clean sheets in last 4 games)

Betting Lines:

• Columbus ML: +525
• NYCFC ML: -195
• Draw: +340
• Total Goals 2.5: Over -150, Under +125
• First to Score: Crew +205, NYCFC -245

Analysis: Despite being defending champions, Columbus enters as heavy underdogs. However, with two wins already against NYCFC this season and strong performances from Zelarayan and Nagbe, the Crew could secure at least a draw at Yankee Stadium's narrower field where precise passing and possession will be crucial.

Related Articles

Previous Articles