After a messy 2020 season, the New York Red Bulls qualified for the playoffs for the 11th straight season, leading them to a difficult opponent in the Columbus Crew that has vexed them in the past. The last time these two sides challenged each other was the second group stage game at the MLS is Back Tournament at Disney in July.
That was a two-goal clean sheet loss that saw the Crew take advantage in the middle of the park and score on the counter that caught the Red Bulls napping. The hope is that this match will be a bit different as the Red Bulls have had better results at Mahpre Stadium, now that Gerhard Struber will officially take over leading the charge inside his technical area.