NYCFC vs Columbus Crew Preview: Looking for points in Ohio

New York City FC will travel to Ohio this weekend to take on the Columbus Crew.  The Pigeons are on a seven game unbeaten run like their opponent, but have only won once during this period.  Although, one of the six draws includes the 1-1 result against the Crew at Yankee Stadium.

This time around, NYCFC is away from home, and have struggled immensely in the past when playing in Columbus.  In fact, the team has lost six of the last seven matches there, and has only won once in the team’s history. 

Moreover, the Queens team has found goals to be difficult to come by, and the same cannot be said about the Crew, since they lead the league with 42 goals.  The home side is also 2-0-1 since they last played the Pigeons, while the away team is 1-0-3.  So, based on the history between the two sides, and the differences with their seasons in 2023, the outlook is grim. 

Let’s not waste any time.  Here is a look at this weekend’s fixture between NYCFC and the Crew.

When is the match between New York City FC and the Columbus Crew?

The match will take place on Saturday, July 8, at 7:30 PM.

Where is the NYCFC game?

The game will take place in Columbus, Ohio at Lower.com Field.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game?

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This game will be available for free.

What can New York City FC expect from Columbus?

New York City FC can expect a strong Columbus side, especially because Lucas Zelarayán will not be away on international duty this time around.  The midfielder likes to score against them, for he has six goals in six matches.  Additionally, too many are free kick goals most fans would like to forget. 

The Crew also has a good home crowd that can act as the twelfth player on the pitch.  Saturday’s game is expected to be a sellout, and a crazy crowd can get into the heads of the visitors.  So, not only will NYCFC have to deal with the fourth place team, but they will also have to survive the home supporters. 

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

For this match, NYCFC supporters should watch Talles Magno in the game against Columbus.  The Brazilian has not scored the numbers that were expected from him this season, but over the last few fixtures, he has been inching closer and closer.

In fact, in the match against Charlotte FC, Magno had four shots, and all four were on target.  Yes, a few shots lacked power and any threat, but he was still shooting towards the goal.  The forward also had one of his stronger performances of the season overall, for he made himself available in the attacking third.

As always, there is the possibility Nick Cushing will not start him due to rotation or squad choice.  However, after Wednesday’s performance, it would be a disservice to not allow the Young Designated Player to start.  It will be interesting to see whether Magno is named in the Starting XI, and whether he can be an attacking threat away from home.

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

New York City FC might be unbeaten in the last seven matches, but only one of those ended in a win.  Part of the issue is due to the inability to score, for only one fixture saw the Pigeons score more than one goal. 

In addition, Columbus is a tough place to play, and NYCFC will have a huge mountain to climb if they want any points.  Therefore, the prediction is that the Pigeons will lose, 3-1.

It is believed the unbeaten streak will end, and the likelihood of a draw is slim.  Plus, while some games with poor results have seen solid play by the players, it is predicted that will not be the case on Saturday.  Alas, anything can happen though, and perhaps New York City FC will surprise everyone with a good result.