Columbus Crew vs New York City preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Lower.com Field Wed, 22 Jul - 11:30 PM
Major League Soccer
Columbus CrewCOL
1 2
New York CityNYC
Full Time Wed, 22 Jul 11:30 PM
Regular Season
Dániel Gazdag - 90+3' (P)
Goal
|
Goal
Nicolás Fernández Mercau - 28' (P)
Agustín Ojeda - 70'

CONTEXT

Columbus Crew faced New York City in a contest that concluded with a 1-2 scoreline. The visitors took a 0-1 lead into halftime and maintained their advantage through the second period. Columbus Crew controlled 58 percent of possession and generated an expected goals total of 1.75, while New York City posted 1.46 despite holding only 42 percent possession. The stronger side according to pre-match indicators delivered the win, though the result diverged from the expected goals projection. No red cards were shown to either side, allowing both teams to maintain full complements throughout the ninety minutes. New York City capitalized on their opportunities efficiently enough to overcome the underlying metrics and claim all three points on the road.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Columbus Crew 1-2 New York City. New York City showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with the measured performance indicators for both sides.
  • xG alignment: The final result was not consistent with the expected goals differential of 0.29 favoring Columbus Crew.
  • Market alignment: The outcome proved aligned with the indicated market alignment metric.
  • xG expectations: Expected goals projected a narrow edge for Columbus Crew at 1.75 against New York City's 1.46.
  • Event impact: No major second-half adjustments altered the trajectory after the early away goal.
  • Red card distortion: Zero red cards were issued, producing no distortion to team structures or match flow.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
L. Hernandez
L. Hernandez
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Columbus Crew L. Courtois
L. Courtois
VS
New York City P. Jansen
P. Jansen
1.07
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.27
1.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Atlanta United Rank: 54 W
Philadelphia Union Rank: 61 D
New York RB Rank: 61 L
New York City Rank: 66 L
Minnesota United Rank: 65 L
Philadelphia Union Rank: 61 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Nashville SC Rank: 72 L
New York RB Rank: 61 D
Charlotte Rank: 64 W
Columbus Crew Rank: 65 W
DC United Rank: 55 L
CF Montréal Rank: 57 L
2
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
2 - 1 - 2
2

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
65.45
66.09
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Columbus Crew
New York City
Power Score
65.45
66.09
League Position
10
8
Global Rank
362
342

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Columbus Crew — Opponent-weighted form score
New York City — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Columbus Crew New York City

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Columbus Crew

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

New York City

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Columbus Crew ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy New York City
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
0.51
0.49
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
0.49
0.51
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Columbus Crew +0.00 Efficiency Index
vs
New York City 0.00 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Columbus Crew
New York City
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Columbus Crew
vs
New York City
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Columbus Crew New York City
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
58%
59%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
1.00 1.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.01 vs +0.14
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Columbus Crew New York City
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
59%
58%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
1.00 1.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
+0.14 vs -0.01
Columbus Crew
New York City
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Columbus Crew
vs
New York City
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Columbus Crew New York City
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Columbus Crew 0.00
New York City 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Columbus Crew New York City
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Columbus Crew 0.00
New York City 0.00
Columbus Crew
New York City
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • COL had peak pressure around 99'.
  • COL started the game with stronger pressure.
COL Pressure NYC Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: COL reached the top pressure at 99' (72.64).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 5 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Columbus Crew COL Home
5 matches
New York City NYC Away
Match Record
2
Wins
2
1
Draws
1
2
Losses
2
Goals
9
Goals Scored
10
10
Goals Conceded
9
-1
Goal Difference
+1
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-07-23T00:03:08+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-1-4-1
Pitch
F. Matthew
United States
49 F. Matthew
N. Cavallo
Substitution
2 N. Cavallo
J. Sands
United States
6 J. Sands
T. Martins Bueno
Brazil
13 (C) T. Martins Bueno
T. Gray
United States
24 T. Gray
J. Shore
Substitution
United States
32 J. Shore
M. Jones
Substitution
88 M. Jones
A. Perea Castañeda
Colombia
8 A. Perea Castañeda
N. Fernández Mercau
Argentina
7 N. Fernández Mercau
A. Ojeda
Argentina
26 A. Ojeda
B. Traore
Substitution
Ivory Coast
9 B. Traore

General Information

Date & Time
Jul 22, 2026, 11:30 PM
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Lower.com Field
Capacity
20371
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Lorenzo Hernandez

Statistics

Possession
COL
56%
NYC
44%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 2
3 Big Chances Created 2
6 Shots 2
62 Dangerous attacks 28
58 Possession 42
3 Corners 0
10 Free kicks 6
3 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

35 Ball Safe 35
0 Penalties 1
5 Goal Kicks 10
2 Goal Attempts 1
7 Substitutions 4
25 Throwins 14
0 Hit Woodwork 1
1 Successful Headers 1
20 Dribble Attempts 14
12 Successful Dribbles 6
60 Successful Dribbles Percentage 43

Attacking

113 Attacks 94
2 Big Chances Missed 0

Possession

35 Long Passes 66
572 Passes 409
508 Successful Passes 342
89 Successful Passes Percentage 84
8 Key Passes 4
19 Successful Long Passes 36
54 Successful Long Passes Percentage 55

Defensive

3 Saves 3
20 Tackles 32
8 Interceptions 13
51 Duels Won 56

Build-up

10 Total Crosses 6
2 Accurate Crosses 3

Discipline

7 Fouls 11

Lineup

Referee : Lorenzo Hernandez

Starting XI ▼

28
Patrick Schulte
Patrick Schulte Goalkeeper
6.61
4
Rudy Camacho
Rudy Camacho Defender
6.46
18
Malte Amundsen
Malte Amundsen Defender
6.35
31
Steven Moreira
Steven Moreira
Defender64'
23
Mohamed Farsi
Mohamed Farsi Defender
6.81
25
Sean Zawadzki
Sean Zawadzki (C) Defender
6.44
17
Sekou Tidiany Bangoura
Sekou Tidiany Bangoura Midfielder
6.54
7
Dylan Chambost
Dylan Chambost
Midfielder74'
27
Max Arfsten
Max Arfsten Midfielder
6.54
50
Tarun Karumanchi Midfielder
90
Nariman Akhundzada
Nariman Akhundzada Midfielder
6.42
46
Chase Adams
Chase Adams
Attacker83'
16
Taha Habroune
Taha Habroune Attacker
6.6
19
Jamal Thiaré
Jamal Thiaré Attacker
6.46
8
Dániel Gazdag
Dániel Gazdag
Midfielder75'
Referee : Lorenzo Hernandez

Starting XI ▼

49
Matt Freese
Matt Freese Goalkeeper
6.54
2
Nico Cavallo
Nico Cavallo Defender
6.42
29
Máximo Carrizo
Máximo Carrizo
Midfielder83'
6
James Sands
James Sands Defender
6.54
13
Thiago Martins
Thiago Martins (C) Defender
6.69
24
Tayvon Gray
Tayvon Gray Defender
6.57
7
Nicolás Fernández Mercau
Nicolás Fernández Mercau Midfielder
6.55
8
Andrés Perea
Andrés Perea Midfielder
6.31
26
Agustín Ojeda
Agustín Ojeda Midfielder
6.76
32
Jonathan Shore
Jonathan Shore Midfielder
6.17
15
Kevin Pierre Jr.
Kevin Pierre Jr.
Midfielder77'
88
Malachi Jones
Malachi Jones Midfielder
6.32
11
Talles Magno
Talles Magno
Attacker55'
9
Bénie Traoré
Bénie Traoré Attacker
6.63
17
Hannes Wolf
Hannes Wolf
Attacker55'

Events

2ND-HALF
90+5'
Event
James Sands 
Foul / 5th Yellowcard
Event
Dániel Gazdag
Right foot shot / 2nd Penalty
90+3'
Event
Chase Adams
Penalty awarded
90'
Event
Chase Adams → Nariman Akhundzada
8th Substitution
83'
83'
Event
Máximo Carrizo → Nico Cavallo
9th Substitution
Event
Taha Habroune
Foul / 4th Yellowcard
82'
77'
Event
Kevin Pierre Jr. → Jonathan Shore
7th Substitution
Event
Dániel Gazdag → Jamal Thiaré
6th Substitution
75'
Event
Dylan Chambost → Sekou Tidiany Bangoura
5th Substitution
74'
70'
Event
Agustín Ojeda
Left foot shot / 1st Goal
Event
Steven Moreira → Malte Amundsen
4th Substitution
64'
Event
Hugo Picard → Tarun Karumanchi
3rd Substitution
63'
Event
Max Arfsten
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
60'
Event
Jamal Thiaré
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
57'
55'
Event
Talles Magno → Malachi Jones
1st Substitution
55'
Event
Hannes Wolf → Bénie Traoré
2nd Substitution
1ST-HALF
40'
Event
Tayvon Gray
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
28'
Event
Nicolás Fernández Mercau
Left foot shot / 1st Penalty

Match Commentary

90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
90
Attempt Attempt
Taha Habroune takes a right-footed shot but misses.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal in the penalty shootout! Daniel Gazdag scores, making it 1-2.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot from Daniel Gazdag with his right foot results in a goal.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-2.
90
Update Update
VAR decision results in a penalty being awarded to Chase Adams.
84
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
84
Attempt Attempt
Max Arfsten takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
83
Update Update
Chase Adams is on, and Nariman Akhundzade is off.
83
Update Update
Maximo Carrizo is on, and Nico Cavallo is off.
82
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Taha Habroune.
79
Attempt Attempt
Nariman Akhundzade takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
78
Attempt Attempt
Nariman Akhundzade takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
77
Substitution Substitution
Kevin Pierre is substituted for Jonathan Shore.
77
Attempt Attempt
Andres Perea takes a shot with his head but misses.
75
Update Update
Daniel Gazdag comes on for Jamal Thiare.
74
Substitution Substitution
Dylan Chambost is substituted off for Sekou Tidiany Bangoura.
74
Attempt Attempt
Jamal Thiare attempts a header but misses the shot.
70
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 0-2.
70
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Agustin Ojeda takes a left-footed shot and scores.
69
Attempt Attempt
Mohamed Farsi takes a right-footed shot but misses.
66
Attempt Attempt
Andres Perea takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
66
Attempt Attempt
Andres Perea's header is saved.
66
Attempt Attempt
Agustin Ojeda takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
64
Update Update
Steven Moreira is on, and Malte Amundsen is off.
63
Update Update
Hugo Picard is on, and Tarun Karumanchi is off.
62
Attempt Attempt
Nicolas Ezequiel Fernandez Mercau takes a left-footed shot that hits the post.
60
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Max Arfsten receives a yellow card.
57
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Jamal Thiare.
55
Update Update
Hannes Wolf comes on for Benie Adama Traore.
55
Update Update
Talles Magno comes on for Malachi Jones.
51
Attempt Attempt
Taha Habroune takes a right-footed shot but misses.
49
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
48
Attempt Attempt
Taha Habroune takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
41
Attempt Attempt
Jamal Thiare takes a right-footed shot but misses.
40
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Tayvon Gray receives a yellow card.
38
Attempt Attempt
Malachi Jones takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
31
Attempt Attempt
Taha Habroune takes a right-footed shot but misses.
28
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Nicolas Ezequiel Fernandez Mercau scores with a left-footed shot.
28
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal in the penalty shootout! Nicolas Ezequiel Fernandez Mercau scores, making it 0-1.
15
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Lorenzo Hernandez.

CONCLUSION

New York City executed a disciplined away performance to defeat Columbus Crew 1-2 despite trailing in possession and expected goals. The halftime advantage of 0-1 proved decisive as the visitors defended their lead without conceding further opportunities that the home side could convert. Columbus Crew created the better underlying chances yet failed to translate their 1.75 expected goals into a winning margin. The absence of any dismissals kept the contest balanced in personnel, allowing New York City to manage the game through organization rather than numerical superiority. This result highlights how clinical finishing can outweigh statistical edges on the day, leaving Columbus Crew to reflect on missed chances while New York City move forward with valuable points secured on the road.