In this Leagues Cup 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 in the quarterfinals of Leagues Cup on Saturday night. Here is your NYCFC vs Columbus Leagues Cup Quarterfinals preview.
• Recent Form (All Comps): W-W-W-L-D
• Record: 12W, 7D, 4L | 43 points, 3rd place
• Scoring Leader: Cucho Hernández, 13 goals
• Assist Leader: Diego Rossi, 6 assists
1. The vibes are high in Columbus
Hudson River Blue: Columbus were on an absolute tear in MLS, winning five straight matches before drawing and losing the last two games before Leagues Cup break. Columbus blew by Sporting Kansas City in the Round of 32 and edged out a one-goal win over Inter Miami in the Round of 16. What’s the vibe in Columbus, where Wilfried Nancy’s side are playing excellent soccer?
Ty Fisher: The vibe is the vibe. It’s an amazing feeling here in Columbus, knowing that Nancy still has this team playing excellent football. The draw and loss to Charlotte FC and Atlanta United were a bit of a shock, but as Nancy says “That’s football.” The match against SKC I don’t think anyone questioned. A bit of Deja Vu there as the scoreline was the same from the previous matchup just about a month and a half ago — maybe two months now. Miami was always going to be a struggle but when I say that the second half was an absolute banger, boy that was amazing. Vibes are immaculate.
2. The home crowd affects the game
HRB: Columbus is exceptional at home, having won nine matches at Lower.com Field. With another home game on the horizon, how can Columbus continue to take advantage of its fans and pitch?
TF: I think the biggest thing when playing at home, is — and this is going to be cliche — having the crowd behind you. Lower.com Field is built practically below street level, with the Nordecke built at an angle. Not to mention, noise bounces back down from the canopy over the seats, so it goes down to the players. They say it all the time that they feel the energy from the crowd, and it helps. Consistent sellouts help, knowing that 20 thousand-plus are there to support the team and give them the energy they need to pull out a victory.
3. Columbus are one of the favorites to win Leagues Cup
HRB: Last season, Columbus lost to Minnesota on penalties in the Round of 32 of Leagues Cup. After knocking out one of the tournament favorites in Inter Miami, could Columbus go all the way and win the whole thing now?
TF: The chances of Columbus winning Leagues Cup have definitely increased after knocking out Inter Miami. However there are two teams that I think stand in the way of that, and they are Club America (who Crew will face for Campeones Cup) and LAFC (who, if met, want revenge on MLS Cup '23 and the 5-1 loss this season). While I think Columbus have probably the best odds of winning, it’s almost too early to tell unless either LAFC or Club America get bounced.
4. The X-Factor: Diego Rossi
HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?
TF: The x-factor that could decide the game is Diego Rossi. If Rossi can contribute as much as he has (two goals vs Sporting Kansas City, two goals vs Inter Miami) then that’s the factor. A year into being with the Black & Gold, Crew fans are starting to see LAFC Golden Boot Winner Rossi start to come to life.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
TF: I’m gonna say 3-1 Columbus as my final prediction. I think Columbus just turns it on all the way, now that they had to come from behind in the tournament, they’re going to give their all.
