KEYS TO THE GAME, pres. by Honda: New York Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew

The New York Red Bulls (0-1-2, 2 pts.) host the Columbus Crew (1-1-1, 4 pts.) on Saturday, March 18 at Red Bull Arena for Women’s Empowerment Night. 

Here are the Keys to the Game, presented by Honda:

Score

New York has notched one goal through three matches and will need to add to that tally on Saturday vs. Columbus Crew.

With Dante Vanzeir possibly making his first start for New York, paired with the impactful Cory Burke, speedy Elias Manoel or pressing monster Tom Barlow, RBNY will put the pressure on the Crew’s defense to try and stop them.

Midfield Matchup

Daniel Edelman made his first start of the season in Matchweek 3 -- and could be in line for another come Saturday. The question and key will be who pairs in the defensive midfield? Will it be Edelman and Cristian Cásseres Jr., or will the Venezuelan push up the pitch? Is Frankie Amaya the right combo with Cásseres or Edelman? Or is one defensive center mid enough on Saturday night?

Only Head Coach Gerhard Struber knows how he’s going to line up the team on the pitch.

Locked Down

New York is yet to allow a goal from open play this season, with the two goals allowed coming off a penalty and a corner kick, respectively.

Carlos Coronel has only been forced to make one save in three matches so far.

The centerback duo of Andrés Reyes and Sean Nealis will look to keep Columbus from shooting, while Coronel will look to stop any shot coming his way.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and New York Red Bulls Radio in English via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app, and NewYorkRedBulls.com.