New York Red Bulls II edged past Columbus Crew II with a 2-1 victory in their MLS Next Pro group stage clash on Saturday evening. The result leaves the visitors second in the table, two points adrift of the leaders.
S. Baitinger opened the scoring for the hosts at the 24th minute, capitalising on a moment of opportunity. G. Di Noto restored the visitors' lead in the 86th minute, finishing a move that had built steadily through the second half. The match ended with the visitors taking all three points.
T. Szewczyk saw red at the 65th minute, reducing New York to ten men for the final quarter of the match. Nine substitutions were made in total across both sides, with Columbus bringing on O. Valencia and C. Adams at the restart. The remaining changes were spread across the second half.
Columbus dominated possession with 65 per cent, but New York created more chances with 94 attacks compared to 71. Shots on target tell a different story: one for the hosts against three for the visitors. The visitors converted their opportunities more effectively, despite playing with ten men for the final 25 minutes.
New York move to within two points of the leaders, keeping their position in the group stage. Columbus remain top but face a tough run-in with several difficult fixtures ahead. The result highlights the importance of clinical finishing in this competition.