HARRISON – The New York Red Bulls (11-11-6) wrap up August with a crucial home match against the Columbus Crew (12-6-9) on Saturday. It will be the first of two meetings this season, with the second coming on Decision Day on October 18.
Last fall seems like an eternity ago, which is a coincidence given that these teams last faced each other in the MLS Cup Playoffs. It was a shocking series result that transpired, however, with the Red Bulls pulling off the upset in the first round. The previous season, the Crew were MLS Cup champions and many believed they could repeat the feat.
Fast-forward to Labor Day weekend in 2025, and things are a bit different for both clubs. For Columbus, they have battled all season in a competitive Eastern Conference against clubs like the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati.
Recently, however, “The Black and Gold” have not produced great results and have slipped down the conference standings. In domestic competition, they have not earned a win since July 19 over DC United. Having drawn against Toronto FC and falling to Orlando City SC and the New England Revolution, things are getting intense in Ohio’s capital.
With the likes of forward Diego Rossi and the recent addition of forward Wessam Abou Ali, it won’t be easy for New York. The Red Bulls have had their moments at home against an original MLS club in Columbus. New York has posted a 2-1-2 mark in their previous five contests at home against the Crew, so a victory is possible.
However, the same narrative has been playing out in New York for the past few months. With their historic playoff streak in danger and with just six matches remaining, Saturday is once again a must-win for the home side.
Sunday’s losing result left a bitter taste for New York, which had played well in the first 30 minutes of its contest against Charlotte FC. But an unfortunate giveaway from forward Mohammed Sofo led to a Charlotte goal, and the result left fans disappointed online.
But fans could be a little ecstatic for Saturday’s match with the potential debut of Swedish midfielder Gustav Berggren being a possibility. Realistically, he would more than likely be a substitute for Saturday’s match and could have an important role right out of the gate.
Berggren was available on Thursday for New York’s pre-match press conference and had a lot to say to the press.
“It was very hard for me because I was told it was going to be a few days and then it was one more,” said Berggren about the past month regarding the visa process. “I tried to stay in shape, watch the team, and tried to focus on the things that I can affect, which is my physique and my football.”
Berggren also spoke on how manager Sandro Schwarz’s tactics interested him in coming over to New York.
“The high intensity, the high pressing, the aggression, I think it suits me quite well and this is also what Red Bulls stands for. So yeah, I want to add that even more into the squad and hopefully I will show that as well.”
Netting another home victory would do wonders for New York and given their poor form on the road, it is more than necessary to win. With a loss, the Red Bulls would have to live with the result for two weeks, as the upcoming international break is scheduled for next week.
Kickoff for Saturday’s match is set for 7:30 p.m. on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
