The Columbus Crew’s 2024 MLS Regular Season comes to an end in Harrison, NJ on Saturday as the Crew take on the New York Red Bulls. This Decision Day matchup features two sides who have already confirmed their playoff participation. However, it could be a preview of what’s to come in the Eastern Conference playoffs as the two sides would be slated to play each other if they stay in their respective positions in the standings. For Columbus, the goal is to win to ensure at least third place in the Supporters Shield standings and push for second should the LA Galaxy drop points. If the Crew can jump the Galaxy, they will ensure hosting rights if they are to make it to another MLS Cup in December. Here’s everything you need for the last match of the 2024 Regular Season. 

New York Red Bulls at a Glance:

Record: 11-14-8, 47 points 

League Form: L,W,L,D,L

Leading Scorer: Lewis Morgan (13)

Assist Leader: Dante Vanzeir (9)

Player to Watch: Emil Forsberg

Forsberg is one of the marquee signings of the MLS offseason and has hit the ground running so far with Red Bulls, despite missing significant time with injuries. Formerly of German side RB Leipzig, Forsberg brings bundles of Bundesliga and Champions League experience with him to New York, not to mention International experience with Sweden. All of his experience and quality have been on display so far in MLS play as Forsberg has amassed seven goals and three assists in just 18 matches. When healthy, Forsberg typically operates in the central part of the field for Red Bulls, but has the freedom to roam around the field and find space to operate in.

Forsberg isn’t necessarily a player who will run at back lines with the ball, he would rather pull the strings in attack by finding his teammates with well-timed passes in the attacking third. However, that doesn’t mean that Forsberg can’t wiggle his way past defenders when given the opportunity. Perhaps the thing that sticks out most about Forsberg compared to his contemporaries in MLS is his ball-striking ability. Forsberg has the ability to pass, serve crosses, and shoot with the utmost precision. This ball-striking ability makes him incredibly dangerous anywhere in the attacking third as he has the ability to either score himself or set up his teammates from just about anywhere. The Crew midfield and backline will have a tough task to keep Forsberg’s influence limited on Saturday, but if they are able to, they will keep the NYRB Puppet Master from pulling the strings in attack.

How New York Red Bulls plays: 

Red Bull under first-year head coach Sandro Schwarz has been one of the most interesting playing style adaptations of the 2024 campaign. While the high pressing and intensity of play remain, Red Bull has shown more of a willingness to keep the ball thus far in 2024. In addition to their willingness to keep possession more in 2024, the Red Bulls have also been far more willing to push numbers into the attack so far this season. Despite their exploration of new tactics, I expect that Red Bull will be happy to press the Crew high up the field and play direct balls in behind for their frontline to chase down. 

Red Bull has preferred a 4-4-2 shape for much of the season, and there’s no reason to expect much different on Saturday. This shape allows Red Bull to press high all over the field while retaining defensive cover. This shape also helps Red Bull circulate the ball from side to side, while keeping numbers up the field in order to threaten their opponents. This flexibility is the main reason why Schwarz had largely used this formation in this campaign. 

How the Crew can win:

1. Play Through the Pressure: In the previous meeting between these two sides, the Crew put on a masterclass of attracting pressure, and then playing through that pressure. More of the same on Saturday would likely lead to a similar scoreline as the first meeting. 
2. Defend Long Balls: Teams have given the Crew problems all year by playing long balls over the wingbacks for attacking players to run onto. Red Bull will look to do exactly the same in this match. This will be especially prevalent if there is no pressure on the Red Bull player in possession. These long balls over the top have been NYRB’s main focus when trying to move play into their opponent’s half. Look for the Columbus wingbacks, center backs, and goalkeeper to do a good job cleaning these moments up on Saturday.
3. Win Transition Battle: As with most matches between Columbus and Red Bulls, this match will likely be won in transition. New York have thrived in attacking transition for a long time now, and the Crew have been vulnerable to good attacking transition from their opponents for a long time as well. That part will be nothing new to Crew players, coaches, and fans alike. However this year, Red Bull are far more willing to push their outside backs higher up the field, which creates space for the Crew to counterattack into. Whichever team can win the transition battle on Saturday could very well be the happier of the two sides after 90 minutes.