3 things we learned from the 0-0 draw between NYCFC and Columbus

On Saturday night, New York City FC headed to a state that has not been friendly in the past: Ohio.  The Pigeons took on the Columbus Crew with a limited roster due to international duty and injuries, signing a few NYCFC II players to short-term contracts to boost the bench.

While the Crew was also without multiple players, history made it questionable whether NYCFC could even grab a win in Columbus.  The last time they did was in 2017, and since then it has mostly been misery rather than greatness.  In fact, 2024 is still fresh in everyone’s mind, for the Boys in Blue lost via a penalty kick shootout in the Leagues Cup and fell 4-2 in the regular season at Lower.com Field.

Winning seemed far away, and sadly, that was the case by the time the final whistle was blown.  But it was not all bad, for NYCFC and Columbus shared the points due to a 0-0 draw.  The Pigeons had a lackluster offensive performance but defensively were strong enough to keep a hungry Black and Gold side out of goal.

Let’s not waste any time.  Here are three things we learned from the draw between NYCFC and the Columbus Crew.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s 0-0 draw

3. NYCFC’s draw was a decent result

There is no question that NYCFC struggles to win on the road, especially in Columbus.  Over the last few years, the Bronx side has struggled to earn any win against their opponent.  Therefore, drawing 0-0 in a tough environment is not bad by any means.  One can declare this draw to be a decent result.

The attack was absolutely awful, and the Crew outplayed NYCFC.  Yet, they worked hard defensively and earned the point.  Like last week’s win against the New England Revolution, everyone contributed to the defensive effort.  Kevin O’Toole, who was suspended in the previous fixture, came out on fire, limiting the home team’s offensive effort on the pitch.  Matt Freese had five saves during the game, but his 100% focus was a big reason why Columbus failed to score.

In some odd way, this draw felt like a win.  It was not pretty, as many of the matches have been this season.  Yet, NYCFC did not give up a late goal like they did earlier this season.  They hung on for the draw, and that shows growth.

2. Columbus Crew fans are great

Lower.com Field is often a difficult place to play, as NYCFC knows.  Part of the reason is due to the fans.  While usually the focus would be entirely on the Pigeons, it would be wrong to pass over what the supporters did during the game.

A local fan and youth soccer player, Kipp McGlone, was sadly hit by a car, suffering a head injury that has kept him in a coma.  To honor the nine-year-old, the fans came together to chant “Stay strong Kipp” during the 47th minute of the game.  It was a beautiful moment, and the club and fans must be applauded for their support of Kipp.  It also highlights the love the team has for the community, for the young boy’s family would be able to see and hear the support.

Well done, Columbus fans.  Well done.

1. Two NYCFC players made their MLS debuts

Saturday will surely be a day that Máximo Carrizo and Seymour Reid remember for the rest of their lives.  The 17-year-olds made their Major League Soccer debuts.  Many thought Homegrown player Carrizo would get his chance this year, but Reid, a brand new NYCFC II player, was a surprise.  He is also officially the youngest NYCFC player to make his MLS debut.

This was a wonderful moment for them.  They did not necessarily do anything special during the match, but they helped NYCFC keep the score level from the 73rd minute when they came on the pitch.

The youth movement has been a delightful aspect of Pascal Jansen’s tenure.  Yes, Nick Cushing played the younger players over the last two seasons.  However, the former head coach failed to develop many of them or play those like Jonathan Shore.  Hopefully, some of the younger players this season will continue to earn minutes under Jansen and develop into some fantastic talents for NYCFC.