The Columbus Crew host the New York Red Bulls at Lower.com Field on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. Both teams are struggling and desperately need points to stay in playoff contention.

The Crew have won just once in their last nine matches, currently sitting in 10th place with 27 points. The Red Bulls, who beat Columbus 1-0 on August 18, are right behind in 11th with 23 points.

Team Analysis:

Columbus Crew

• Offensive struggles continue with limited scoring
• Lucas Zelarayan remains the main threat but lacks support
• Key striker Gyasi Zardes injured
• Defense hasn't recorded a clean sheet since July 24
• Goalkeeper Eloy Room: 1.41 GAA (up from 0.89 last season)

New York Red Bulls

• One win in last ten matches
• Only one road victory all season (July 3)
• Balanced scoring: Klimala, Clark, Casseres Jr (4 goals each)
• Fabio leads with 6 assists
• Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel: 26 goals allowed in 21 starts

Betting Lines:

• Columbus Crew: +120
• New York Red Bulls: +225
• Draw: +265
• Total Goals: 2.5 (Over -105, Under -120)
• First to Score: Crew -130, Red Bulls +130

Key Factor: Early scoring will be crucial, as Columbus has frequently fallen behind early this season and struggled to recover. The losing team will face a difficult path to the playoffs, needing to overcome a 4+ point gap with limited matches remaining.

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