New York Red Bulls Set to Clash with Columbus Crew Sat. Aug.30 2025

The New York Red Bulls (11-11-6, 39 points) return home on Saturday, August 30, to face the Columbus Crew (12-6-9, 45 points) in a pivotal Major League Soccer matchup at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and both teams enter the contest with playoff positioning on the line.

A Historic Rivalry

This weekend’s match marks the 81st regular-season meeting between New York and Columbus. The Crew currently hold the overall series edge with a 34-33-13 record, though recent games in Harrison have been tightly contested. The Red Bulls have managed a 2-1-2 record in their last five home fixtures against Columbus, underscoring the competitiveness of this long-running rivalry.

Home Advantage for New York

The Red Bulls have been especially strong in Harrison this season, boasting a 10-2-2 home record. That total represents the club’s most home victories in a single MLS campaign since 2018. Team captain Emil Forsberg has been central to that success. The Swedish international has contributed to a goal in five consecutive matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium and has enjoyed particular success against the Crew, scoring three goals in just three career appearances versus Columbus. Forsberg is also just one assist shy of joining an exclusive club of Red Bulls players to notch double-digit goals and assists in the same season.

Scouting the Crew

The Columbus Crew, one of MLS’s most established clubs, bring with them a deep roster and a passionate traveling fan base. Playing out of Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, with a capacity of 20,371, the Crew remain firmly in playoff contention. Their balanced attack and disciplined midfield make them a formidable test for New York as the regular season winds down.

Local Impact and Fan Festivities

The Harrison Police Department has issued a Traffic Bulletin ahead of the event, cautioning residents and visitors to expect significant congestion. While the official kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., fans are anticipated to begin arriving around 11 a.m. to take part in Fan Appreciation activities outside the stadium. Attendees and residents alike are advised to plan travel accordingly to avoid delays around the South Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard corridor and surrounding neighborhoods.

What’s Next

Following Saturday’s contest, Major League Soccer will pause for the FIFA International Break from September 1 through September 9. The Red Bulls will return to action on Saturday, September 13, with a road trip to Providence Park to take on the Portland Timbers.

For now, though, all eyes will be on Harrison this Saturday night as two playoff hopefuls battle in what promises to be a spirited contest between East Conference rivals.

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