A true test of depth for head coach Wilfried Nancy and company commenced on a frigid evening in Downtown Columbus, Ohio as the Columbus Crew put their unbeaten record to the test against New York City FC.

The Black & Gold were without several players due to injury, international duty, or suspension. Both teams entered the match looking for valuable points, with Columbus coming off of a 1-1 draw against San Diego FC.

The Crew dictated play from the opening whistle, controlling much of the possession battle. The Pigeons laid in a low block, forcing Columbus to play into tight spaces and utilize wingbacks DeJuan Jones and debutant Cesar Ruvalcaba.

Midfielder Aziel (AZ) Jackson was on the end of numerous opportunities, with his best chance coming in the 38th minute when his right-footed curled attempt was aimed at the back post, but ricocheted out and away.

Columbus nearly found the opener minutes before, when Dylan Chambost served a free kick into the penalty area to find Sean Zawadzki. Zawadzki made his run to the back post, sending a cross back across the face of goal to find Yevhen Cheberko, but the header sent the ball just over the crossbar.

Jackson was on the end of another opportunity in the 42nd minute when Cheberko sent a low-driven pass to the center of the box, but Jackson sent the attempt high over the frame.

By halftime, Columbus was highly favored to at least get a goal, earning eight corner kicks and tallying six shots on goal.

The second half was similar to the first, with Columbus generating more chances in New York’s final third.

Jacen Russell-Rowe was able to nearly notch the opener in the last quarter-hour when he got on the end of a cross right at the penalty spot. However, his header attempt on goal just missed the near post and rolled out for a goal kick.

Things turned positive in the 84th minute when the hustle by DeJuan Jones to keep the ball in play before rolling over the end line turned into a goal for Russell-Rowe. But the smiles and cheers of the 20,235 Crew fans soon turned to jeers, after match official Rubiel Vazquez announced that Jones was in an offside position after a quick video review.

The draw feels like a loss. Despite dominating the possession battle and almost every aspect of the game, Columbus couldn’t capitalize on the many chances presented to them, leaving them utterly frustrated with NYCFC’s defensive resilience. While the Crew remains unbeaten, it’s evident that their usual goal-hunting prowess is flawed in every way possible.

AZ Jackson

Though Jackson couldn’t find the back of the net on the night, he was able to utilize his speed and skill when needed, breaking through the NYC defense and giving glimpses of promise to the Black & Gold.

Unbeaten record still intact

Though the draw is more like a loss, the Columbus Crew have earned at least a point in their first five league matches.

What’s next?

The Black & Gold are back in action next Saturday as they travel to the Nation’s capital to take on D.C. United. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT from Audi Field. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.