The New York Red Bulls will be seeking more goals and their first win when they host the Columbus Crew on Saturday in Harrison, N.J.
After a 1-1 draw at Minnesota United on a snow-covered field in their last match on March 11, the Red Bulls (0-1-2, 2 points) are winless in their first three games for the first time since 2014 despite allowing only two goals.
According to Major League Soccer, the Red Bulls are one of six teams in league history to concede two or fewer goals in their first three matches without a win in any of them.
New York’s lone goal of the season was by Andres Reyes in the 49th minute against Minnesota, allowing Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber to exhale just a little bit.
“Of course, it was good to know that right now we’ve opened the door,” he said. “(But) I think the most relief that you can get is always a victory. So the most important thing for that is that we have to fight and leave everything on the field.”
Columbus (1-1-1, 4 points) rallied for a 1-1 tie at Toronto FC on March 11, getting the equalizer from substitute Jimmy Medranda in the 75th minute.
While New York is known for its high press, the Crew will try to be methodical in their build-up with strong ball possession. It’s a game of chess that coach Wilfried Nancy enjoys.
“Every time I play New York it’s a good exercise for my players and also the staff and everyone to see where we’re at in terms of emotional control,” Nancy said. “I like to play against them because you have to compete. You have no choice.
“They are going to put on a lot of pressure. We need to control more of the game and be composed with the ball and if we don’t have the ball we must match their intensity.”
The Crew have scored four goals but the Red Bulls have not surrendered a goal from open play this season, allowing a penalty and a corner kick.
–Field Level Media
