Columbus Crew v New York City FC: Jansen looking for improved performance from visitors

New York City FC head coach Pascal Jansen signalled he wants an improved performance when they travel to Columbus Crew this weekend, despite beating the New England Revolution 2-1 last time out.

That result capped back-to-back victories for NYCFC in MLS, which were also their first two wins of the season. Going away from home, where they have earned just one point in two games, Jansen is after more.

“I wasn’t quite satisfied with the performance in general [last time out] because I thought we were too sloppy, losing possession too fast, too quick,” he said.

“So, then it becomes a game that goes up and down, and they try to get us in wide areas with crosses. Controlling the ball is what we’re looking for.

“There’s a lot of work to be done.”

Julian Fernandez and Alonso Martinez scored the goals to turn the game around against New England last time out and, according to Jansen, they were just rewards for the hard work NYCFC have been putting in.

“I see them train every day and they work so hard to improve themselves. That’s the culture, we are moulding together, never satisfied,” he said.

“That’s something these guys have in their DNA.”

That hard-working, energetic attitude is something that Jansen wants his team to replicate going forward, starting with their trip to Columbus.

“We try to play with a lot of energy and a lot of intensity on and off the ball. When you force mistakes from your opponent, most likely they will play long or direct balls,” he said.

“In order to control that moment, you need to be good in the air and control the second or third situation coming from that aerial duel.

“My guys understand this principle that we’re trying to drill into them… it’s a part of our strategy.”

Back on the road pic.twitter.com/60zqj2qOln

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) March 19, 2025

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus Crew – Diego Rossi

No Columbus player is averaging more shots per game than Diego Rossi, who has taken 2.3 per match in his four appearances so far.

The Uruguayan is also level with Jacen Russell-Rowe as the Crew’s top scorer on two for the season.

New York City FC – Julian Fernandez

Martinez has scored three goals in NYCFC’s first four MLS matches this season, but he will miss their match against Columbus while on international duty with Costa Rica.

That will open the door for Julian Fernandez to step up in his place. He already has one goal and one assist this term, netting the equalizer last time out against the Revs.

MATCH PREDICTION – COLUMBUS CREW WIN

Columbus have lost just one of their 14 matches against New York City FC in all competitions (W8 D5), with that defeat coming in the 2017 regular season.

Since that defeat, the Crew have won seven of their 10 home games against New York.

Columbus are also unbeaten in their opening four matches of the 2025 season for the fifth time in eight years. With two wins and two draws, they are third in the East.

NYCFC, meanwhile, have taken just one point from their opening two away games this season, meaning they have won just one of their last 13 on the road in MLS.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus Crew – 61.2%

Draw – 20.5%

New York City FC – 18.4%