The New York Red Bulls have already clinched a spot in the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs -- but could lock up a home matchup with a win on Saturday night vs. Columbus Crew.
Head Coach Gerhard Struber will deploy Patryk Klimala up top, his first start since August 27.
Lewis Morgan and Luquinhas will help lead the attack, while Frankie Amaya and Daniel Edelman lock down the defensive midfield.
This will be the 77th overall regular season meeting between New York and Columbus with the Red Bulls holding the advantage with a 32-31-13 mark. The Red Bulls have set new franchise records in both away wins (9) and away points (30). New York have posted a 4-1-2 record in their last seven road MLS matches and have outscored their opponents, 9-7, in those matches. Columbus currently sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and are winless in their last four MLS matches.
John Tolkin and Dylan Nealis will work the outside channels, while Andrés Reyes, Sean Nealis and Hassan Ndam secure the backline.
Last time out at Lower.com Field, defender Sean Nealis scored the game-winner in the 87th minute to lead New York to a 2-1 victory. Nealis has played the most minutes by an outfield player this season for the Red Bulls (2,773). The Massapequa, N.Y. native ranks second in MLS in aerials duels won (129) and tied for fifth in duels won (195).
Carlos Coronel starts in goal for New York.
Kyle Duncan, Steven Sserwadda, Omir Fernandez, Wiki Carmona, Serge Ngoma, Tom Barlow and Elias Manoel are available off the bench. Ryan Meara will serve as backup goalkeeper.
Caden Clark will be held out due to a knock. Aaron Long will miss the match due to load management.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with coverage on MSG, MSG GO, and New York Red Bulls Radio in English and Spanish via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
Coverage on MSG begins at 7 p.m. ET with the Red Bulls Pregame show. Steve Cangialosi will have the primary play-by-play responsibilities and will be alongside Shep Messing and Michelle Gingras.
New York Red Bulls Radio begins at 6:30 p.m. ET with Countdown to Kickoff, presented by Honda, hosted by Matt Harmon and Steve Jolley. Stefano Fusaro will carry the Spanish play-by-play responsibilities, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
