COLUMBUS, OHIO – The New York Red Bulls (12-15-7) wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a loss to a playoff bound Columbus Crew (14-8-12), falling 3-1. It was New York’s second meeting against their original 96 companions in the past two months.
Just like how they started their season in February, the Red Bulls ended their season with a loss to a team from Ohio. With no postseason appearance in sight this year for New York, Saturday’s match on paper was meaningless for most.
Some believed, however, that New York could steal one and build on it heading into the early offseason. What fans got instead was New York concluding their disastrous season on a three match losing streak.
Much of the talk entering the match was how new goalkeeper, John McCarthy, would perform in his first start since coming over from the LA Galaxy. With Carlos Coronel’s time with the Red Bulls set to conclude, manager Sandro Schwarz wanted to see what the veteran McCarthy had in him. It turned out to be shaky at best.
McCarthy surrendered three goals to Columbus, two which came in the second half of the contest. On the night, the veteran would stop three shots from finding the back on the net. Still, it was a disappointing result for a keeper who has won multiple MLS Cups in his career.
But prior to McCarthy allowing three goals, it was the Red Bulls who struck first in Ohio’s capital. In the 11th minute, forward Eric Choupo-Moting netted in his 17th goal of the season to put the Red Bulls up 1-0. The goal occurred thanks in large part to captain Emil Forsberg, who unleashed a tremendous pass to the striker.
Minutes later, the Red Bulls’ lead would collapse thanks to Columbus defender Andrés Herrera tying the match at one in the 16th minute. Fifty minutes later, Columbus midfielder Dániel Gazdag would give the Crew the advantage and make it 2-1. To top it all off, Columbus forward Ibrahim Aliyu would score the final goal of the night and send New York home with a loss.
It was essentially a fitting ending to one of the more abnormal seasons in recent memories for New York. Given their bad 2-11-4 away record this season, a loss was expected for New York.
Following the loss, Schwarz thanked the supporters after they endured a strange season.
“I want to say thank you, from deep in my heart, I want to say thank you for the support, I want to say thank you that they always believe in us,” Schwarz said. “We will work so hard. We will analyze everything in detail.”
For New York, they will finish the season 10th in the Eastern Conference with 43 points.
A long offseason now awaits for New York as changes will be implemented. What those changes will be will be revealed in time. But, they will need better results in 2026.
As for Columbus, they will head into the postseason in what should be a fun and exciting playoffs, especially in the Eastern Conference.
