Keys to the Game

KEYS TO THE GAME, presented by Honda: Columbus Crew SC vs. New York Red Bulls

Keys 030219

The New York Red Bulls kick off their 2019 MLS campaign at Columbus Crew SC on Saturday, March 2.


Here are the Three Keys to the Game, presented by Honda:


Roster Rotation

New York will be in the middle of three games in seven days, with the match against Crew SC sandwiched between two Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League matches.


The Red Bulls will look to keep fresh legs on the pitch for Columbus and for their upcoming tilt against Club Santos Laguna.


Playoff Revenge

New York and Columbus face off for the first time after the Red Bulls eliminated Crew SC from the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs.


Crew SC won the first leg of their postseason matchup, 1-0, but New York won 3-0 in Leg 2 at Red Bull Arena to advance to the Eastern Conference Championship.


New Crew

This iteration of Crew SC will be a little different than the team the Red Bulls knocked out of the playoffs last year.


Now coached by Caleb Porter, formerly of Portland Timbers FC, and led by new club president Tim Bezbatchenko, formerly of Toronto FC, both will likely bring a different approach to the game than previously seen under their last regime.


Columbus vs. New York kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2.