Columbus Crew SC returns to Major League Soccer regular-season action on Saturday. The Black & Gold will host the New York Red Bulls at MAPFRE Stadium at 5 p.m. ET.
In their last meeting, Crew SC topped the Red Bulls 3-2 at MAPFRE Stadium. The game saw three goals for the Black & Gold from Jonathan Mensah, Justin Meram and Josh Williams — all assisted by Federico Higuain. Higuain’s three assists in a single match marked the first time a Crew SC player pulled off such a feat since Guillermo Barros Schelotto's 2008 MLS Cup-winning performance.
Last Saturday, Crew SC began a run of four games in 12 days lifting the Trillium cup at MAPFRE Stadium in a draw with Toronto. After trailing by three goals, Crew SC secured a historic comeback to win the cup. The 3-3 draw was the first time in club history that the Black & Gold have claimed a three-goal comeback. Forward Gyasi Zardesscored first for Columbus off of a corner kick from Higauin.
With 10 minutes left in the match, defender Alex Crognale scored his first MLS goal when he latched onto a loose ball inside the six-yard box and finished a free kick sent in by Higuain. Higuain equalized in the 90th minute with a penalty kick goal after Zardes was fouled inside the box, securing the comeback.
Meanwhile, the Red Bulls are coming off of a 0-2 home loss against the New England Revolution. RBNY's Bradley Wright-Phillips opened the scoring in the 8th minute but New England equalized in first-half stoppage time and eventually found the game-winner in the 78th minute.
The Black & Gold hold an all-time regular-season home record of 18-12-5 against the Red Bulls.
Columbus is currently unbeaten in eight straight games since April 21 against the New England Revolution. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen and captain Wil Trapp continue their absence as the two impact players are in Europe with the U.S. Men’s National Team for the second of two international friendlies on Saturday.
Next up, Crew SC stays at home to host Atlanta United FC on Wednesday at MAPFRE Stadium. The midweek match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
