Can the Red Bulls keep their incredible playoff run alive? This Saturday, they face the Columbus Crew in a high-stakes home clash. With their MLS-record streak on the line and key players in top form, the tension is palpable. Will they secure the crucial points needed to push for the postseason?

The New York Red Bulls are in a critical juncture of their season, intensely focused on extending their impressive playoff streak as they prepare to host the Columbus Crew this Saturday in Harrison, N.J. With merely six matches remaining in the regular season, the Red Bulls, holding an 11-11-6 record and 39 points, find themselves in a tight race, currently tied with Chicago for the pivotal ninth and final postseason berth in the Eastern Conference.

This pursuit isn’t just about making the playoffs; it’s about upholding an extraordinary legacy. The Red Bulls currently boast an MLS-record of 15 consecutive playoff appearances, a remarkable feat that stands as the longest active streak across all major North American men’s professional sports. Maintaining this streak is a significant motivator, adding immense pressure and prestige to every remaining fixture.

The upcoming clash against the Columbus Crew presents a prime opportunity, particularly given the Red Bulls’ formidable home advantage. They have established a robust 10-2-2 record on their home turf this season, further bolstering this with a strong 4-1-1 performance in their last six matches at home, making them a challenging opponent for any visiting side.

A key figure in the Red Bulls’ home success and overall offensive strategy is captain Emil Forsberg. The Swedish midfielder has been instrumental, contributing a goal or assist in five consecutive home matches. Furthermore, Forsberg possesses an impressive track record against the Crew, having netted three career goals in as many encounters, underscoring his potential impact on this crucial game.

Conversely, the Columbus Crew, currently seventh in the East with 45 points from a 12-6-9 record, arrive in New Jersey experiencing a dip in form. They have registered two losses and a tie in their past three matches and a 2-3-2 record over their last seven outings, indicating a period of struggle they will be eager to reverse.

Adding to the Crew’s challenges are potential injury concerns, particularly in defense. Defender Mo Farsi has been sidelined for the past six matches due to a pelvis injury, and midfielder Darlington Nagbe has missed the last two with a torso issue. Farsi, however, may be in contention to return for Saturday’s match, a development that could significantly bolster the Crew’s defensive capabilities.

This match also carries an extra layer of intrigue as it marks the first meeting between the two clubs since the Red Bulls eliminated the Crew in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. This prior encounter adds a competitive edge, with the Crew likely seeking redemption and the Red Bulls aiming to reassert their dominance.

The urgency for a win is palpable within the Red Bulls’ camp, a sentiment echoed by coach Sandro Schwarz, who is keen to see his club demonstrate a strong, determined performance. Securing three points against the Columbus Crew is paramount not only for extending their playoff streak but also for solidifying their position in the highly competitive Eastern Conference standings.