NYCFC vs Columbus Crew preview: Once again, hello old friend | OneFootball

Major League Soccer is officially back as New York City FC will restart their 2026 campaign against a very familiar opponent.  The Pigeons will be on the road to face the Columbus Crew, a team they saw twice in May before the season paused for the World Cup.  The Boys in Blue won the first game, which was the home fixture during the regular season.  Then, the Ohio team won the U.S. Open Cup game.

As such, NYCFC will strive to sweep the regular-season series and take two of three from Columbus.  It is difficult to pinpoint which way this will go, especially with the team’s injuries.  Sadly, the injury list is not any better than before the break, for the team is without nine players.  In other words, two months off did nothing to fix one of the greatest problems of this season.

Therefore, as much as NYCFC needs to resume the season with a bang, fans should not expect much.  Sure, the Pigeons received some help with the return of James Sands and then the signing of Bénie Traoré.  But with players like Raul Gustavo, Aiden O’Neill, and Kai Trewin on the injury list, the defensive half of the team will be extremely thin.  There is also so much up in the air with the secondary transfer window being opened; it would not be shocking to see some players off the game-day sheet if they are planning a transfer out.

Nevertheless, the focus for now is on the midweek match.  Here is a preview of the meeting between NYCFC and the Columbus Crew.

NYCFC vs Columbus Crew preview

Date

NYCFC and Columbus will face one another on Wednesday, July 22.

Time

The game will begin at 7:30 PM.

Location

The fixture will be at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.

How to watch

Supporters can catch the match on Apple TV.

Weather

It will be a nice summer day in Columbus.  When the game begins, it will be around 72 degrees with a slight breeze.  The humidity will be average, hovering a little over 50%.  It will also be partly cloudy, and there is no chance of rain.

Injury report

As mentioned, NYCFC will be without nine players.  Drew Baiera (leg), Raul Gustavo (leg), Mac Learned (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), Maxi Moralez (leg), Aiden O’Neill (leg), Kevin O’Toole (leg), Keaton Parks (leg), and Kai Trewin (leg) are all missing.  In other words, from the last report in May, only Talles Magno and Max Murray are now off the list.

Players to watch

This is an easy one, but NYCFC supporters should watch James Sands.  The original Homegrown player is back, committing himself to the club for the near future.  The question, though, is where will he play?  Will it be in the defensive midfield, or will he slot into the backline with all of the injuries?  Since this will be his first game with Pascal Jansen, will it be business as usual?  Or will he take some time to adjust?  It will be interesting to see how he does in his first match back.

Fans should also watch Patrick Schulte.  The goalkeeper did not play in the U.S. Open Cup match, but he did slot in between the sticks in the Pigeons’ 3-0 win.  Schulte is usually a fantastic keeper, but he did allow three goals.  It will be interesting to see what he does in this match, and whether he can keep the Boys in Blue out of the back of the net.

Prediction

It is difficult to be positive for this match.  However, based on the last two meetings, the prediction will be that the game ends in a 1-1 draw.  Both sides will dominate at times, but it will be a typical MLS game.