The midweek action in Major League Soccer continues with an intriguing clash at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, where New York Red Bulls host Columbus Crew in matchday 13 of the 2026 season. Both teams are looking to climb the standings as the campaign reaches its halfway point, and this fixture could prove crucial in shaping their playoff ambitions. The home side currently sit in ninth place, while the visitors occupy the eleventh position, making this a direct battle between two sides separated by only a few points.

New York Red Bulls: Home Struggles and Defensive Concerns

New York Red Bulls approach this encounter after a mixed run of results. Their last outing brought a much-needed 1-3 victory away to Chicago Fire on May 9, a result that ended a short winless streak and boosted morale. However, consistency remains an issue. Over their last five matches, the Red Bulls have recorded one win, one draw, and three defeats, averaging 1.6 goals scored and 2.4 conceded per game. These numbers highlight a clear defensive vulnerability that has cost them valuable points throughout the season.

At home, the Red Bulls have particularly struggled to keep opponents at bay, conceding 11 goals in their last four matches at the Sports Illustrated Stadium. Despite their attacking potential, their defensive lapses have often overshadowed their offensive efforts. In the current MLS campaign, their overall record stands at four wins, three draws, and five losses, with an average of 1.6 goals scored and 2.3 conceded per match. Encouragingly, all of their last ten league games have featured over 1.5 total goals, suggesting that their matches tend to be open and entertaining.

• Current MLS ranking: 9th place


• Season record: 4 wins, 3 draws, 5 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.6 per match


• Average goals conceded: 2.3 per match


• Over 1.5 goals in each of their last 10 league games

For this home fixture, the Red Bulls will aim to capitalize on their attacking rhythm while tightening up defensively. A strong start could be key to controlling the tempo and preventing the visitors from exploiting their defensive weaknesses.

Columbus Crew: Away Form and Offensive Potential

Columbus Crew arrive at this match following a disappointing 3-0 defeat against New York City on May 10. Despite that setback, their recent form has been relatively solid, with three wins and two losses in their last five matches. They have averaged two goals scored and 1.6 conceded per game during that stretch, showing both attacking intent and occasional defensive fragility.

Over the course of the season, the Crew’s record stands at three wins, three draws, and six defeats, with an average of 1.3 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per match. Their biggest challenge has been on the road, where they have managed just one victory so far. Moreover, they have conceded at least one goal in each of their last twelve away fixtures in Major League Soccer, a trend that underlines their defensive inconsistency when playing outside their home ground.

• Current MLS ranking: 11th place


• Season record: 3 wins, 3 draws, 6 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.3 per match


• Average goals conceded: 1.6 per match


• At least one goal conceded in each of their last 12 away matches

Nevertheless, the Crew’s attacking line has shown flashes of quality, capable of punishing defensive errors. Given the Red Bulls’ recent home struggles, Columbus will likely look to press high and take advantage of any gaps in the opposition’s backline. Their ability to convert chances efficiently could be decisive in this midweek encounter.

New York Red Bulls vs Columbus Crew: Analysis and Prediction

Historically, this fixture has been competitive, with both sides sharing similar head-to-head records. In their last five meetings, the Red Bulls have one win, two draws, and two defeats, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 1.6 conceded. The most recent encounter ended 3-1 in October 2025, a result that showcased the attacking potential on both sides.

Given the current form and defensive trends, another high-scoring match seems likely. The Red Bulls’ home games have consistently produced goals, while the Crew’s away fixtures have followed a similar pattern due to their defensive openness. Both teams have shown the ability to find the net but also to concede regularly, suggesting that this could be an entertaining contest with multiple scoring opportunities.

Statistically, the probability indicators point to a balanced match: New York RB have a 36% chance of winning, the draw stands at 24%, and Columbus Crew are slightly favored with a 40% probability. The “Both Teams To Score – Yes” market is supported by a 62% likelihood, while “Over 2.5 goals” has a 60% chance, reinforcing the expectation of an open game.

Considering the attacking tendencies of both sides and their defensive vulnerabilities, the most consistent trend is the presence of goals. The visitors have scored in nearly all their recent matches, while the hosts rarely keep a clean sheet. Therefore, the match could once again deliver an exciting goal-filled spectacle for MLS fans.

New York Red Bulls vs Columbus Crew prediction from BetMines: Over 2.5 goals with 60% probability.