In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Ty Fisher of Massive Report to learn more about Columbus Crew, New York City FC's road opponent on Matchday 5 of the MLS season. Here is your NYCFC vs Columbus preview.
• League Form: D-D-W-W
• Record: 2W, 2D, 0L | 8 points, 3rd place in Eastern Conference
• Scoring Leader: Diego Rossi and Jacen Russell-Rowe, 2 goals
• Assist Leader: Mohamed Farsi, DeJuan Jones, Steven Moreira, and Malte Amundsen, 1 assist
1. Big Crew shoes to fill
Hudson River Blue: Columbus lost key players like Cucho Hernández, Alexandru Matan, and Christian Ramirez this offseason. But the offense seems fine without them, with Max Arfsten, Jacen Russell-Rowe, and Diego Rossi leading the way. Could this front three lead Columbus to a top-three finish in the Eastern Conference and MLS Playoff run?
Ty Fisher: The front three could, and emphasis on "could," lead the Crew to a top-three finish, but they can't solely rely on them. Everyone around them needs to step up to finish that high again. We've seen Diego Rossi and JRR score all the goals up until Max Arfsten scored his first of the season against San Diego FC. So, realistically, the weight is on the front three of JRR, Rossi, and Arfsten, but in order for Columbus to make a deep run, everybody needs to play a part.
2. Absences in defense
HRB: Columbus’s defense has looked solid to begin the season, but injuries to Rudy Camacho and Steven Moreira and a suspension to Malte Amundsen could mean a depleted backline against NYCFC. If that’s the case, how could Columbus succeed with a makeshift defense?
TF: It all stems back to depth. It's a "next man up" type of situation, given that Columbus is also without goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, wingbacks Max Arfsten and Mo Farsi, and midfielder Taha Habroune, who are all on international duty. Players may be played out of position, but let's be real: Wilfried Nancy could throw in a midfielder in a center-back position and Columbus would still look good. Columbus could also play in a low block and just park the bus from the get-go. Who knows, but to be successful, players are going to get minutes they never thought they were gonna get, and they need to make the most of it.
3. Replacing Patrick Schulte in goal
HRB: Columbus will be without Patrick Schulte due to international duty, who has had a strong start to the season. He's conceded just three goals this season and has an 82.4% save percentage. Evan Bush will likely play; the backup keeper has only played 13 games in four seasons. How will the absence of Schulte affect the match?
TF: The absence of Schulte won't affect this match much. We've seen this before where Evan Bush will start and the Crew can come away with a point or three, like in Bush's last appearance for Columbus on the road vs. Real Salt Lake in April 2024. Bush also brings a veteran presence, which is what Columbus will need in a time like this.
4. The X-Factor(s): Nagbe, Zawadzki
HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?
TF: The X-factor that could decide this game is the midfield pairing of Sean Zawadzki and Darlington Nagbe. This duo is crucial when it comes to defending. A strong performance from them could help Columbus earn a point at home, or propel the Crew to three points.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
TF: Neither team has enough to win while shorthanded, 1-1 draw.
