After a bye week, and a break from League play, Columbus Crew SC returns to the pitch Saturday night against East-leading New York City FC. Before kickoff from MAPFRE Stadium, here are three things to know about NYCFC.
DPs do it all
Designated Players Frank Lampard and David Villa have been on a tear as of late for Patrick Vieira’s club. Lampard has returned from an early-season injury, and netted nine goals in his last 12 matches, including a hat trick in NYCFC’s 5-1 rout of the Colorado Rapids on July 30. Villa — a Golden Boot chaser — continues to impress this season, netting 13 goals in 23 games, and trailing Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco by just two.
Struggles with Crew SC
Since joining the League in 2015, New York City FC has not recorded a win against the Black & Gold. In three games played, NYCFC holds a 0-2-1 record against Crew SC — with the last match coming on April 16 in the form of a 3-2 defeat at MAPFRE Stadium.
Recent Form
New York City FC’s form since the last meeting with Crew SC has been nothing short of stellar. The top team in the East has gone 9-5-4 since the April 16 loss on the road in Columbus, including going unbeaten in seven of its last nine.
The Black & Gold return to action on Saturday, August 13 when New York City FC visits MAPFRE Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The match will be available on The CW Columbus, Time Warner Cable SportsChannel, and BCSN2. Audio will be available on CD102.5 FM, and La Mega 103.1 FM, as well as an English radio stream available on ColumbusCrewSC.com.
