Our prediction for this MLS match:
New York Red Bulls aim to build on their first-leg victory when they welcome Columbus Crew for the MLS playoffs round of 16, second leg. Felipe Carballo’s goal has given the Metros a narrow lead, and with no fresh injury concerns, the hosts are poised for a full-strength lineup. A man to watch in the home team will be Scotland midfielder Lewis Morgan, who has been scoring goals for fun this term.
On the other side, Columbus Crew’s morale is low, compounded by a troubling injury list. The likes of Amundsen, Bush, Farsi, and Moreira are expected to miss out, limiting their options both in defence and midfield. Their struggles on the road, combined with these absences, leave the visitors facing an uphill task at Red Bull Arena. With New York in solid form, we predict that the visitors are going to return home with their hands empty.
Highlighted Team (New York Red Bulls):
New York Red Bulls is the first club from New York City to join Major League Soccer. In 2006 the club was sold to Red Bull GmbH and, as a result, they are nicknamed the Red Bulls. New York welcome their rivals at Red Bull Arena and the team’s home colors are white and red.
On the other hand, the Red Bulls wear dark blue shirts and yellow shorts on the road. In 2008 New York Red Bulls made it to the MLS Cup final, but they were not capable of matching Columbus Crew (1-3) in the Home Depot Center clash. A number of top-class footballers were part of the team in the past, but former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry is the synonym of the club.
Henry scored 51 goals in 122 league games for New York Red Bulls from 2010 to 2014 and it has to be noted that he scored his first MLS hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Montreal Impact on March 31, 2012. The likes of Youri Djorkaeff, Lothar Matthaus, Roberto Donadoni, Rafael Marquez, Juninho and Tim Cahill played for the club in the past as well.