NEW YORK — Solid offensive chances paired with big defensive plays kept Columbus Crew SC on the verge, but a pair of late second-half goals from New York City FC lifted the home side to a 2-0 victory on Saturday evening as the Blues remain unbeaten at Yankee Stadium this season (10-0-1).

Pedro Santos and Harrison Afful combined for a close-call in the eighth minute for the Black & Gold (8-7-6), but NYCFC (12-4-4) goalkeeper Sean Johnson did well to keep the scoresheet empty.

On the other side, Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who made his 50th career start and appearance for Columbus, provided his own heroics, highlighted by a diving save on a shot bound for the side-netting.

In the second half, Steffen stepped up again, this time in a one-on-one situation in the 52nd minute.

NYCFC's Jesus Medina broke the stalemate in the 80th minute before Anton Tinnerholm doubled the advantage in the 90th minute.

On the game, Santos played 70 minutes and registered four total shots, which tied with Afful for most shots on the night for the Black & Gold. Additionally, Santos created four goal-scoring chances – tied with Federico Higuain and NYCFC’s Maximiliano Moralez for most on the night.

Up next, Columbus returns home to host Orlando City SC on Saturday, July 21, with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. ET at MAPFRE Stadium.

LINEUPS

MATCH STATS

POST-MATCH NOTES

•    Pedro Santos made his 25th MLS regular-season start for Crew SC in tonight’s match against New York City FC. The Portuguese midfielder reached his 25th regular-season appearance for the Black & Gold in last week’s road contest against the LA Galaxy. Since joining Crew SC on August 8, 2017, Santos has recorded one goal and six assists during his 26 MLS regular-season appearances.

•    During tonight’s match against New York City FC, Pedro Santos played 70 minutes and registered four total shots, which tied with Harrison Afful for most shots on the night for Crew SC. Three of Santos’ four shots were on target, the most out of any Black & Gold player. Additionally, Santos created four goal-scoring chances – tied with Federico Higuain and NYCFC’s Maximiliano Moralez for most on the night – while registering 46 touches. In 2018, Santos has made 17 MLS regular-season appearances (all starts), while registering one goal and providing four assists.

•    Wil Trapp made a team-high 72 touches in tonight’s match against New York City FC. In addition, Trapp tied Artur for the team-lead in passes with 55. Defensively, Trapp led the Black & Gold with four tackles, and he was among those who won the most fouls on the team with two. Since making his MLS debut in 2013, he has made 143 MLS regular-season appearances (17 this season) and 140 MLS regular-season starts (17 this season), while also tallying one goal and 14 assists.

•    Next up, Crew SC hosts Orlando City SC at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, July 21 (7:30 p.m. ET / CW Columbus, Spectrum Sports, BCSN2, CD102.5 FM, English and Spanish audio broadcasts available on ColumbusCrewSC.com).