The New York Red Bulls face Eastern Conference rivals Columbus Crew at Red Bull Arena on October 19 in a match with major playoff seeding implications. The Red Bulls defeated Toronto FC 3-1 last weekend, and seek to finish their three game homestand with a third consecutive victory in their home regular season finale.
Here are some key numbers to consider before Sunday’s clash.
- 2 – Bradley Wright-Phillips has scored twice against Columbus in two games this year, once on April 26 and again on July 12. He also needs two more goals to tie the MLS single-season scoring record of 27 held by Roy Lassiter and Chris Wondolowski in his Chase For 28.
- 5 – Mike Petke is undefeated in the month of October since taking over the head coaching job in 2013 (4-0-1). Despite not competing for the Supporters’ Shield like in 2013, the results of the final two matches of this season could be critical to RBNY’s playoff run.
- 6 – If New York can take six points (two wins) out of their final two matches, they are guaranteed to finish in at least third place and avoid the Knockout Round. Following Columbus this week, RBNY will travel to Sporting Park to face Sporting Kansas City on the final day of the MLS regular season.
- 7 – In seven games against Columbus in his career, Thierry Henry has scored a total of six goals and five assists. He scored one goal and had three assists in their last meeting on July 12, and has historically terrorized the Crew with such moments as his World-Class corner kick goal back in 2012.
- 17 – New York has outscored opponents heavily at home, earning a conference-high 17 home goal differential. The Red Bulls have also scored 37 times at home, another Eastern Conference best at home. They have won seven consecutive home games and are unbeaten in their last ten at Red Bull Arena (8-0-2).
- 60 – Sunday’s matchup against the Crew will be the 60th regular season match between New York and Columbus. The Red Bulls lead the all-time series with a 26-24-9 record, and are 15-9-5 versus the Crew at home.
Coverage of Sunday’s match at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. will begin at 3:00 p.m. (TV: MSG, UniMas). For tips or further directions on how to get to the game, check out the Red Bull Arena Transportation HUB. Tickets for the season finale versus Columbus and MLS Cup Playoffs at Red Bull Arena are still available. Get yours by calling 1.877.727.6223 or by online purchase.
