Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls Gear Up for Crucial Eastern Conference Showdown

Columbus Crew vs New York Red Bulls - 09/13/2026

09/11/2026 543

As the Major League Soccer season edges deeper into September, the lower half of the Eastern Conference heats up with Columbus Crew hosting New York Red Bulls at Lower.com Field. Both clubs hold ambitions of climbing the standings, and recent form suggests a tight contest awaits.

Previous Encounter

The most recent meeting between these teams came on May 14, 2026. New York Red Bulls clinched victory at home, defeating Columbus Crew 3-2 in a high-tempo battle. Julian Hall stole the spotlight, recording a hat trick with goals in the 7th, 40th, and 78th minutes. Columbus Crew replied with strikes from Max Arfsten and a Diego Rossi penalty but could not overturn the deficit.

Despite being outshot 13 to 12 and owning just 31% of the ball, New York made their attacks count. Columbus, meanwhile, controlled possession at 69% and generated slightly more dangerous attacks (11 to 9), yet efficiency in the final third eluded them on the night.

Overall Performance

Columbus Crew arrive at this match sitting 13th, having recorded 6 wins, 5 draws, and 13 losses from 24 matches. Their goalscoring output stands at 35, close to 1.5 per match, but they have allowed 41—an average of 1.71 conceded.

New York Red Bulls' campaign has been just as uneven, positioned one spot above Crew at 12th. The Red Bulls have won 7, drawn 6, and lost 11 of their 24 games. Their defense has proven leakier, conceding 48 against 32 scored, for a negative 16 goal difference.

Recent Form

Columbus Crew have hit a rough patch, losing 5 of their last 6 and only securing a single win in that span, while averaging 1.33 goals scored and 2 conceded per match. At home, they've managed just 1 win in the last 3, though their goal tally slightly improves to 1.67, matched by 1.67 let in per game.

The Red Bulls are winless in their last 6 outings, drawing twice but suffering 4 defeats. Their recent away form is equally troubling, having failed to win in 9 of their past 11 road games, including losing 55% of their last 20 away matches.

Main Trends

For Columbus Crew, key trends point to vulnerability. They have failed to claim victory in 7 of their last 8 league matches, while losing 58% of their past 12. However, their record against New York Red Bulls is balanced, with 50% wins in the last 20 head-to-head meetings. Home advantage has occasionally proved decisive, seeing Crew win by two or more goals in 2 of their last 5 home games with the Red Bulls.

New York Red Bulls, while enjoying plenty of ball and creating attacks, have consistently struggled to close out matches. They've lost 6 of their last 12, are winless in 10 of their prior 12 overall, and have been on the wrong end of a two-goal deficit in 40% of their last 10 outings.

Probable Lineups

Injuries will shape decisions on both sides. Wessam Abou Ali remains out for Columbus, while New York are without goalkeeper AJ Marcucci.

Columbus Crew
Goalkeeper: Patrick Schulte
Defenders: Malte Amundsen, Sean Zawadzki, Eric Bailly, Steven Moreira
Midfielders: Mohamed Farsi, André Gomes, Tarun Karumanchi, Taha Habroune
Attackers: Josef Martínez, Brais Méndez

New York Red Bulls
Goalkeeper: Ethan Horvath
Defenders: Justin Che, Julián Bazán, Dylan Nealis, Matthew Dos Santos
Midfielders: Emil Forsberg, Adri Mehmeti, Mohammed Sofo, Ronald Donkor
Attackers: Julian Hall, Cade Cowell

Prediction

Both squads enter this match desperate for points and consistency. Columbus Crew's home record suggests an edge, particularly as their offensive combinations have proven a touch more robust in familiar surroundings. The Red Bulls' persistent defensive struggles, combined with their current winless streak, could tip the balance toward the hosts.

According to Forebet’s algorithm, Columbus Crew are given a 40% probability to secure the win, with a projected score of 2-0. Expect New York to remain competitive through possession and attack volume, but Crew's ability to exploit defensive lapses at home could be the difference.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

Us1

Columbus Crew New York Red Bulls 13/09/2026 01:30

403723

12-0

2 - 0

2.48

82°F

-137

-137 +333 +310 no no no

FT

0 - 1(0 - 0)

-

- - -