New York Red Bulls II (14-5-4, 48 pts) host Columbus Crew 2 (4-14-4, 17 pts) at MSU Soccer Park on Sunday, August 31.
Here are the Keys to the Game:
THE GREAT HOMESTAND
Red Bulls II have been virtually unbeatable at home this season going 8-1-2. Their eight wins at home so far this season is tied for the most in MLS NEXT Pro and most in the Eastern Conference.
The eight home wins are also tied for the third-most in a single season in club history, and tied for most home wins in MLS NEXT Pro play in club history. The side also has won seven of their last eight home matches.
RULING THE CREW
New York are 3-2-1 all time against Columbus through six MLS NEXT Pro matches.
The side has won both of the matchups this season on the road at Historic Crew Stadium courtesy of a last minute free kick goal from defender Matthew Dos Santos and a grueling 2-1 victory despite being a man down for 30 minutes.
KEEPING THE ZERO
New York defense has found good form recently. In their last three matches, the defense has only conceded two goals.
In two of their last three matches, the side has kept a clean sheet courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Philadelphia Union II on August 11 and a 1-0 win over Chicago Fire FC II on August 24.
Overall on the season, Red Bulls II has the second-most cleansheets in the league with six.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
