The stage is set at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, where New York City FC prepares to host Columbus Crew in a pivotal Major League Soccer showdown this Sunday, August 10, 2025. The lights will be bright, the stakes high, and both teams have plenty to play for as the Eastern Conference playoff race heats up. With New York City FC sitting in 8th place with 38 points from 24 games, and Columbus Crew holding 4th with 44 points from 25 matches, every touch of the ball could shape the postseason picture.
New York City FC, affectionately nicknamed "the Pigeons," have been fighting to find consistency all season. Their recent form, though, suggests a team on the rise: three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five MLS games. That run included a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over FC Dallas, where Alonso Martinez stole the show with a stunning hat-trick. The Pigeons are hoping to channel that attacking firepower into another strong home performance against a Crew side that’s been tough to crack lately.
Alonso Martinez has been the name on everyone’s lips. With 12 goals in 21 games, he’s established himself as the club’s most dangerous weapon in front of goal. Martinez’s confidence will be sky-high after his recent exploits, and he’ll be supported by a creative midfield featuring Hannes Wolf, Maxi Moralez, and the ever-industrious Andres Perea. Hannes Wolf, with 9 goals and 4 assists in 23 games, has quietly become a key contributor, while Moralez continues to pull the strings with his vision—he’s created 26 chances so far this campaign.
Head coach Pascal Jansen is expected to stick with his favored 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on the pace and width provided by Kevin O’Toole and Mitja Ilenic on the flanks. Ilenic, who’s chipped in with 2 goals and 2 assists in 19 games, adds both defensive stability and attacking thrust down the right. Between the posts, Freese will be tasked with keeping Columbus’s potent attack at bay.
But if New York City FC has been finding their rhythm, Columbus Crew is already dancing to a winning beat. The Crew have picked up two consecutive victories and suffered just one defeat in their last five league outings. With 41 goals scored—good for 11th in the league—and 36 conceded, Columbus has shown both attacking flair and occasional defensive vulnerability. Their overall record of 12 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses from 25 games places them firmly in the hunt for a top playoff seed.
Leading the Columbus charge is Diego Rossi, a striker in red-hot form. Rossi has netted 12 goals in 25 appearances, making him the Crew’s top scorer. His movement, technical skill, and clinical finishing have been a nightmare for defenders all season. Alongside him, Jacen Russell-Rowe has chipped in with 7 goals, while Maximilian Arfsten and Daniel Gazdag provide creativity and goal threat from midfield. Head coach Wilfried Nancy has urged his team to be more clinical in front of goal, knowing that fine margins could decide this crucial encounter.
The Crew’s likely 4-4-2 formation will see Schulte in goal, with a backline featuring Moreira, Sean Zawadzki, Cheberko, and Arfsten. In midfield, Aliyu, Chambost, Nagbe, and Gazdag will look to control possession and feed Rossi and Russell-Rowe up front. Ibrahim Aliyu, with 2 goals and 2 assists in 15 games, offers pace and unpredictability from wide areas.
Historically, Columbus Crew holds the upper hand in this matchup, boasting 11 wins to New York City’s 8, with 8 draws between the sides. The Crew are unbeaten against NYCFC in their last seven meetings, and the first leg of this season’s series ended in a goalless draw. For the Pigeons, breaking that streak would be a statement of intent as the regular season enters its final third.
Recent betting tips and predictions have leaned towards Columbus, citing their form and head-to-head advantage. Many analysts expect both teams to find the net—after all, they’ve done so in six of their last seven encounters. The Crew’s momentum, coupled with their need to keep pace with the conference leaders, makes them slight favorites, but NYCFC’s home form—bolstered by back-to-back wins over Toronto and Atlanta—can’t be ignored.
"He’s been incredible in front of goal," one analyst said about Alonso Martinez, referencing his recent hat-trick. Martinez’s ability to find space and finish under pressure could be the difference if the Pigeons are to claim all three points. On the other side, Wilfried Nancy praised Diego Rossi’s consistency, stating, "He’s the man on fire for us, and we’ll need him at his best against New York City."
Both teams have something to prove. For NYCFC, it’s about showing they can compete with the conference’s elite and shake off their reputation for inconsistency. For Columbus, it’s a chance to solidify their position near the top and keep their championship ambitions alive. The tactical battle between Jansen and Nancy promises to be fascinating, with both managers known for their adaptability and attacking philosophies.
The match takes place at Citi Field, a venue that’s grown into a fortress for NYCFC in recent weeks. The energy in Flushing, Queens, will be electric, with fans eager to see if their team can rise to the occasion. The referee, Sergil Boiko, will have his hands full in what’s sure to be a high-tempo, emotionally charged contest.
While the main event in MLS captures the headlines, it’s worth noting that New York City FC’s developmental squad, NYCFC II, has also been in action. On Friday night, they played out a dramatic 3-3 draw with Chicago Fire II at Icahn Stadium, ultimately falling 3-1 in the penalty shootout. Seymour Reid recorded a brace and converted NYCFC II’s only penalty in the shootout, further cementing his status as the team’s top scorer with 11 goals. "We got the first two goals, but you could see towards the end of the half, we took our foot off the gas," Reid reflected after the match. Head coach Matt Pilkington praised his striker’s movement and work ethic, noting, "He’s improving week by week, month by month. There’s still plenty of room for growth, but he’s on the right path."
Back at the senior level, all eyes remain on the showdown between NYCFC and Columbus Crew. With playoff implications on the line and two of the conference’s most exciting attacking talents set to square off, this fixture has all the ingredients for a classic. The action is set to unfold under the Citi Field lights, and fans can expect drama, goals, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
As kickoff approaches, both teams know what’s at stake. For New York City FC, it’s a chance to climb the standings and prove their mettle. For Columbus Crew, it’s about maintaining momentum and chasing down the top spot. The MLS playoff race is heating up—and on Sunday night in Queens, the temperature will rise even higher.
