Without the MLS NEXT Pro’s top goalscorer in Jacen Russell-Rowe and the league’s leading assist man Mohamed Farsi, both of whom were loaned up to the first team for the trip to Real Salt Lake, Columbus Crew 2 traveled to take on Rochester New York FC, looking for revenge for a loss earlier in the year. For the first time this season, Crew 2 ended a game in a stalemate and, after a 0-0 draw through 90 minutes, went to a penalty kick shootout, ultimately losing 4-2.
In addition to being without two key players, Crew 2 also missed head coach Laurent Courtois, as he did not travel with the team to Rochester after being placed in MLS NEXT Pro health and safety protocols.