Columbus Crew vs New York Red Bulls Picks and Predictions October 18th 2025

Columbus Crew vs New York Red Bulls Match Preview

The Columbus Crew will look to avoid the Eastern Conference play-in match when they host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night. The Crew can climb as high as seventh in the standings if they win and receive help elsewhere, while the Red Bulls are locked into 10th and will miss the postseason for the first time since 2008.

For Columbus, the match carries emotional weight beyond playoff implications. Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, one of the most respected figures in Major League Soccer, recently announced his retirement following the 2025 postseason. Saturday’s game could mark his final home appearance for the defending champions, who are still fighting to secure home-field advantage in the first round.

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Line Movement and Odds

The Crew opened as firm home favorites at -190, while the Red Bulls are priced near +450, with a draw around +325. The total sits at 2.5 goals, with the over slightly favored. Columbus has covered in four of its last five home matches, and the Red Bulls have hit the over in three of their past four away fixtures.

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Matchup Breakdown

Columbus (13-8-12, 51 points) enter Decision Day needing both a victory and outside help. A win would lift them into a top-seven finish if Orlando City lose to Toronto FC and Chicago fail to beat New England. The Crew have been sharp in front of goal, scoring 60 times this season, third most in the Eastern Conference.

Nagbe’s leadership has been vital for head coach Wilfried Nancy’s side. The 34-year-old has built a career defined by technical precision and quiet dominance, winning MLS Cups with Portland, Atlanta, and Columbus. Saturday’s home finale will celebrate his legacy before the team turns its focus to another playoff run.

Defender Malte Amundsen spoke about Nagbe’s influence, describing him as one of the most inspiring teammates he’s had. That leadership will be crucial as Columbus tries to balance emotion with execution.

The Red Bulls (12-14-7, 43 points) have endured a disappointing campaign, ending a 15-year postseason streak. Still, head coach Sandro Schwarz has insisted his side will compete hard in the finale, refusing to treat the match as an experimental outing. Expect the Red Bulls’ pressing system to challenge Columbus’ buildup from the back — a hallmark of Nancy’s possession-based style.

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Key Storylines

Darlington Nagbe’s farewell adds emotional intensity to a fixture that already carries playoff implications. Columbus have lost just once at Lower.com Field since April and will rely on Cucho Hernández to lead the attack. Hernández enters with 16 goals, supported by Diego Rossi’s creativity on the wing.

The Red Bulls’ bright spot this season has been young striker Elias Manoel, who continues to develop as a consistent scoring option. His pace on the counterattack could test a Crew defense that occasionally leaves space in transition.

Prediction

Columbus have the motivation, talent, and crowd advantage to finish the regular season strong. The Red Bulls’ defensive structure may frustrate the Crew early, but the quality in midfield and set-piece execution should be enough to deliver a result worthy of Nagbe’s sendoff.

Projected Score: Columbus Crew 3, New York Red Bulls 1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals (-115)
Secondary Lean: Columbus Crew moneyline (-190)

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