Eastern Conference Showdown: Red Bulls Host Columbus Crew in Playoff Push
The New York Red Bulls will face the Columbus Crew at Sports Illustrated Stadium in a critical match for both teams' playoff aspirations. The Red Bulls, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, are pushing for a playoff berth, while the seventh-placed Crew aim to solidify their postseason qualification. [9, 17]
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Major League Soccer Eastern Conference clash at Sports Illustrated Stadium holds significant importance for both the New York Red Bulls and the Columbus Crew. The Red Bulls currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference standings with 39 points, while the Columbus Crew are positioned seventh with 45 points. [9, 16] According to league rules, the top nine teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs. [17] As such, this match is a 'must-win' for the Red Bulls as they seek to climb the standings, close the gap on the playoff zone, and potentially secure a wild-card spot. [11, 16, 17] For the Crew, a victory would help solidify their current playoff position and fend off teams looking to overtake them. [15]
Recent Form
The New York Red Bulls have shown mixed form in their last 10 league games, with a record of 3 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws. [9] They have been particularly strong at home, securing victories in their last three matches at their home ground. [19] The Columbus Crew have a slightly better recent record, with 5 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws in their last 10 league outings. [9] However, the Crew have failed to win in four of their last five league appearances, introducing a degree of inconsistency to their recent performance. [19]
Key Players & Injury News
For the Red Bulls, Cameroonian forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is a central figure in their attack, having scored 15 goals and provided 2 assists this season. [9, 7] Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg has also been a key creator, with 4 goals and 3 assists in the last 10 games. [9] However, the Red Bulls are dealing with several injuries, with goalkeeper A.J. Marcucci (lower-leg injury), forward Cameron Harper (knee injury), and midfielder Lewis Morgan (thigh injury) all expected to be out. [9, 19] On the Columbus Crew side, Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi is vital to their offensive efforts, having netted 13 goals and registered 3 assists. [9] Jacen Russell-Rowe has also contributed with 2 goals. [9] The Crew also have injury concerns, as defender Rudy Camacho (thigh injury) and Mohamed Farsi (pelvis injury) are expected to miss the match, while midfielder Darlington Nagbe is questionable with a torso injury. [9, 19]