New York City 2, Columbus 0 - as it happened!

FT: New York City defeats Columbus 2-0 after a late explosion.

The game was mostly an ugly affair for NYCFC. But the Boys in Blue withered the storm and the Crew’s attack just in time for their offense to generate some energy and find the net.

The win comes on Domé Torrent’s 55th birthday and also puts City in a two-way tie with Atlanta United for both first in the East and for the Supporter’s Shield. The Five Stripes are in action tomorrow against Seattle. Needless to say, NYCFC will be watching.

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90’ GOOOOOOOOOAAALLL!!! Anton Tinnerholm!

The Swedish right back catches Columbus napping in transition and squeezes in a shot near-post to ice the game and ensure NYCFC has their arm raised at the end of it.

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80’ GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL!!! Jesus Medina!

Jonathan Lewis’ shot hits off the post, but Lewis is able to recover and send a ball across the area to an unmarked Medina, who blasts it in from about five yards. 1-0 NYCFC

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63’ NYCFC needs a goal, and they need it now. Too often have they been wasteful in front of net in a game where they’ve struggled to generate chances. IF they don’t strike first, Columbus will

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52’ Moralez and Medina both fail to convert on high-percentage chances. In games like these, those shots need to go in.

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HT: The game is still level at 0-0

Columbus has been the more dangerous side thus far and have made NYCFC sweat several times. City’s attack looks completely lethargic and out of sync with one another, while the midfield duo of Ring and Ofori have been mostly invisible. A lot of changes will need to be made in the second half if NYCFC wishes to finish this home stretch with points.

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23’ Good chances are too far and between. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before Columbus strikes unless City can beat them to the punch

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15’ The opening of this game has seen the Crew create the better, more dangerous chances. City have constantly turned the ball over in the midfield, reminiscent of their classic, almost meme-able form against the rival Red Bulls

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8’ Sean Johnson is called into action early and is up to task. Columbus seems to be the aggressor early on.

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1’ We kick off with NYCFC wearing the famous blue Etihad Shirt. City are undefeated through ten home games this season. Can they maintain that streak?

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Rosters

New York City Starting XI:

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: M - Alex Ring
• International duty: None
• Injury Report: OUT: M - Yangel Herrera (ankle surgery), D - Cedric Hountondji (hamstring injury); QUESTIONABLE: F - David Villa (right knee injury), M - Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (hamstring injury), F - Jo Inge Berget (quad discomfort)

Columbus Starting XI:

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: M - Federico Higuain
• International duty: None
• Injury Report: OUT: M - Mohammed Abu (left thigh injury), F - Adam Jahn (right knee injury); QUESTIONABLE: D - Jonathan Mensah (concussion)

Referees: Armanda Villareal (referee); Richard Gamache, Jeffrey Greeson (assistant referees); Nima Sagafi (4th official); Jorge Gonzalez (VAR)

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How To Watch

Match date & time: July 14th, 2018, 7 p.m. EST

Venue: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, NY

Online streaming: FOX Sports Go, ESPN+

TV: YES

Local radio: WNYE 91.5 FM — English (Crooks, Wingert); WADO 1280 AM — Spanish (Abramowitz, Judas).

All-time series: In 9 total meetings between the two, NYCFC and the Crew are dead even: three wins, three losses, three draws. This is the first time the two have met since the 2017 Eastern Conference Semifinal where Columbus defeated NYCFC by way of a 4-3 aggregate, eliminating the Blues from the playoffs.

NYCFC have won their last two regular season games against the New York Red Bulls and Montreal Impact respectively, and you can bet they’re looking for their third. Some may even view this game as Domé Torrent’s first real test since taking over the Bronx Blues last month. Gregg Berhalter’s Crew are an extremely formidable side that, despite constant under-achievement, is capable of beating nearly anyone in MLS.

Tonight’s game will also put NYCFC’s fitness to the test, as they will be playing their third game in seven days. Thus far, City has avoided noticeable fatigue as both games have been wins. But don’t expect Torrent to accept just 6 points in this crazy week.

This post will update with highlights and information as we receive it.