In this League Cup Issue of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Ty Fisher from Massive report to learn more about Columbus Crew, New York City FC’S Away opponents in Saturday night’s Leagues Cup quarterfinals. Here’s your preview of the Leagues Cup quarterfinals between NYCFC and Columbus.
• Current form (all competitions): WWWLD
• Record: 12W, 7D, 4L | 43 points, 3rd place
• Leader: Cucho Hernández, 13 goals
• Assist leader: Diego Rossi, 6 assists
1. The mood in Columbus is good
Hudson River Blue: Columbus have been in top form in MLS, winning five games in a row before drawing and losing their last two matches before the Leagues Cup break. Columbus swept Sporting Kansas City in the round of 32 and narrowly beat Inter Miami by one goal in the round of 16. What is the mood like in Columbus, where Wilfried Nancy’s team is playing excellent football?
Ty Fisher: The mood is the mood. It’s an incredible feeling here in Columbus knowing that Nancy still has a team that plays great soccer. The draws and losses against Charlotte FC and Atlanta United were a bit of a shock, but as Nancy says, “That’s soccer.” The game against SKC, I don’t think anyone questioned it. A bit of déjà vu because the score was the same as the last time we met about a month and a half ago – maybe two months now. Miami has always been a tough opponent, but when I say the second half was an absolute blast, boy, that was incredible. The mood is impeccable.
2. The home crowd influences the game
HRB: Columbus is exceptional at home, winning nine games at Lower.com Field. With another home game on the horizon, how can Columbus continue to take advantage of its fans and its field?
TF: I think the most important thing about home games is – and this is getting cliche – having the crowd behind you. Lower.com Field is basically below street level, the north corner is built at an angle. Not to mention the noise bounces off the canopy above the seats, so it gets to the players. They always say they feel the energy of the crowd, and that helps. Regularly selling out stadiums helps when you know there are 20,000+ fans there to support the team and give them the energy they need to pull off a win.
3. Columbus is one of the favorites to win the Leagues Cup
HRB: Last season, Columbus lost to Minnesota on penalties in the Leagues Cup round of 16. After knocking out one of the tournament favorites, Inter Miami, could Columbus now go all the way and win the whole thing?
TF: Columbus’ chances of winning the Leagues Cup definitely increased after beating Inter Miami. However, there are two teams that I think stand in their way, and they are Club America (who Crew will face in the Campeones Cup) and LAFC (who, if they meet, will be looking for revenge for MLS Cup ’23 and their 5-1 loss this season). While I think Columbus probably has the best chance of winning, it’s almost too early to tell unless either LAFC or Club America are eliminated.
4. The X-Factor: Diego Rossi
HRB: What is the X-factor that could decide this game?
TF: The X-factor that could decide the game is Diego Rossi. If Rossi can contribute as much as he has so far (two goals against Sporting Kansas City, two goals against Inter Miami), then that will be the deciding factor. After a year with the Black & Gold, Crew fans are seeing LAFC Golden Boot winner Rossi slowly come to life.
5. Predicted result, starting eleven
HRB: Tipping time: Starting eleven? Final result?
TF: My final prediction is 3-1 Columbus. I think Columbus is just going to go all out. Now that they’ve had to come from behind in the tournament, they’re going to give it their all.
