New York City II vs Columbus Crew II Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

New York City II welcome Columbus Crew II to Belson Stadium on 30 May 2026 in an MLS Next Pro Group Stage clash that already feels significant in the Eastern Conference picture. The hosts are strong at home and chasing ground on a Columbus side that currently sit higher in the standings but arrive with mixed recent results.

New York City II are placed 12th in the Eastern Conference with 15 points from 10 matches, built on a perfect “no-draws” profile of five wins and five defeats. Columbus Crew II, meanwhile, are 4th in the Eastern Conference on 20 points from 12 games and are currently in the “Promotion - MLS Next Pro (Play Offs: 1/8-finals)” zone. That five-point gap, with New York City II having two games in hand, makes this a classic six-pointer in the playoff race.

At divisional level in the Northeast Division, Columbus Crew II are 3rd with 20 points and a neutral goal difference, while New York City II sit 6th on 15 points with a negative goal difference. With both sides showing attacking intent but defensive vulnerabilities, this matchup profiles as one of the more intriguing MLS Next Pro fixtures of the weekend.

New York City II vs Columbus Crew II Key Stats

• New York City II have taken 15 points from 10 league games, scoring 13 and conceding 16, with a league form line of WWLWL.
• Across their last five league meetings listed, New York City II have three wins and Columbus Crew II have two, including a 3-1 New York City II home win on 22 August 2025 and a 2-0 New York City II away win on 21 April 2024.
• New York City II average 1.4 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per match this season, while Columbus Crew II average 1.8 scored and 1.8 conceded.

New York City II vs Columbus Crew II — Tale of the Tape

• Position: 12 vs 4
• Points: 15 vs 20
• Goals For: 13 vs 20
• Goals Against: 16 vs 20
• Clean Sheets: New York City II 1; Columbus Crew II 2

In the Eastern Conference table, Columbus Crew II hold the upper hand. They are 4th with 20 points from 12 matches (seven wins, five losses, no draws), and their description confirms they occupy a playoff berth. New York City II, 12th with 15 points from 10 games (five wins, five losses), are in the chasing pack. The key nuance is games played: New York City II have two matches in hand, so victory here would haul them within two points of Columbus with still a lighter schedule completed.

From a goals perspective, Columbus Crew II are more prolific, with 20 scored in 12 games compared to New York City II’s 13 in 10. However, Columbus also concede at a similar rate (20 against), giving them a goal difference of 0, while New York City II sit at -3 (16 conceded). The team statistics reinforce this: Columbus Crew II average 1.8 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per match, while New York City II average 1.4 scored and 1.7 conceded. Both sides are open, but Columbus lean even more towards high-event football.

New York City II vs Columbus Crew II Key Matchups

New York City II attack vs Columbus Crew II defence

New York City II’s offensive profile is modest but improving. They have scored 14 goals across 10 fixtures in the broader statistical sample, with an average of 1.6 goals per home game. Their biggest home win is 2-0, and they have failed to score only once at Belson Stadium. That suggests a front line capable of creating chances, especially in front of their own supporters.

Columbus Crew II’s defence, particularly away from home, is vulnerable. They concede an average of 2.3 goals per away match and 1.8 overall, with 14 goals shipped on their travels. Their biggest away defeat has been by a 4-1 scoreline, underlining how exposed they can be when pushed back. If New York City II can reach their typical home output of around 1.6 goals, Columbus’ defensive numbers hint that the hosts will get on the scoresheet and potentially more than once.

Columbus Crew II attack vs New York City II defence

On the flip side, Columbus Crew II carry significant attacking threat. They have scored 22 goals in 12 games, with an average of 2.2 per home match and 1.5 away. Their biggest wins include 3-1 at home and 1-3 away, showing they can score in bunches. The minute distribution of their goals is concentrated between 31 and 60 minutes, where they have registered 12 goals, indicating a strong mid-game surge.

New York City II concede 1.7 goals per match overall, with 1.6 per home game and 1.8 away. Their heaviest home defeat has been 0-5, which underlines that when they collapse, they can concede heavily. They have only one clean sheet this season. Given Columbus Crew II’s ability to score and New York City II’s tendency to concede in the middle and later phases of matches, the visitors are well placed to find the net even if they struggle to control the game.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

These two clubs have developed one of the more entertaining rivalries in MLS Next Pro, with frequent high-scoring encounters and several matches decided by penalties. Across the last five meetings listed below, New York City II have two wins in regulation time, Columbus Crew II have one regulation win, and there have been two draws that Columbus won on penalties.

• 8 March 2026: Columbus Crew II 0-0 New York City II (MLS Next Pro, finished after the penalty shootout; Columbus Crew II won on penalties)
• 22 August 2025: New York City II 3-1 Columbus Crew II (MLS Next Pro)
• 12 June 2025: Columbus Crew II 1-1 New York City II (MLS Next Pro, finished after the penalty shootout; Columbus Crew II won on penalties)
• 14 March 2025: New York City II 2-0 Columbus Crew II (MLS Next Pro)
• 1 September 2024: Columbus Crew II 2-2 New York City II (MLS Next Pro, finished after the penalty shootout; Columbus Crew II won on penalties)

New York City II vs Columbus Crew II Prediction

Form and comparison metrics lean slightly towards New York City II, particularly with home advantage. Their last-five form stands at 60% compared to Columbus Crew II’s 40%, and the comparison data rates New York City II higher in attack (53% vs 47%) and defence (58% vs 42%). New York City II are also strong at Belson Stadium, with four wins and one loss from five home league matches.

However, Columbus Crew II’s overall record is stronger in terms of wins (seven from 12) and they possess more firepower. The head-to-head record is finely balanced, with both teams enjoying big wins and Columbus often edging penalty shootouts. The prediction percentages allocate 45% to a New York City II win, 45% to a draw and just 10% to a Columbus Crew II victory, strongly suggesting a “New York City II or draw” scenario.

Predicted Score: New York City II 1-0 Columbus Crew II

New York City II League Form

WWLWL

Columbus Crew II League Form

LWLWL

New York City II Possible Starting Lineup

One of B. Klein, M. Learned, D. McDermott or T. Romero in goal; defenders drawn from K. Acito, A. Baiera, A. Campos, Nico Cavallo, J. Lopez, E. Martin, Maxwell Murray, D. Randazzo and K. Smith; a midfield unit featuring combinations of Jacob Arroyave, M. Carrizo, D. Duque, C. Flax, D. Kerr, P. Molinari, Musu, K. Pierre, J. Ponce, Arnau Rabassa, J. Shore, J. Suchecki, L. Sunjic, U. Zeitz and G. de Souza; with an attacking line led by C. Danquah, L. De Pinho, A. Farnos, H. Hvatum, M. Jones, S. Reid and E. Samb.

The squad list underlines New York City II’s depth, especially in midfield where they have a broad mix of teenagers and early-20s players. That flexibility allows them to adjust between a more controlled, possession-based setup and a transitional game. With only one clean sheet this season, defensive selection around experienced figures like Nico Cavallo and Maxwell Murray will be crucial. In attack, multiple options mean they can rotate without losing intensity, which suits a high-energy pressing approach at home.

Columbus Crew II Possible Starting Lineup

One of K. Abbott, Luke Pruter or A. Zochowski in goal; a defensive group built from R. Aoki, Tristan Brown, G. Di Noto, P. Forfor, I. Heffess, Z. Lloyd, Owen Presthus, C. Rogers and Cesar Ruvalcaba; midfield choices including J. Bonos, J. Chirinos, G. De Libera, Q. Elliot, Eli Granda, A. Grinblat, M. Nyeman, N. Rincon, O. Taylor and Z. Zengue; and a forward line featuring C. Adams, B. Adu-Gyamfi, A. Alaouieh, J. Danjaji, I. Ewing, K. Gbamble, A. Gimple and I. Kone.

Columbus Crew II’s roster is similarly youthful and attack-minded. Their statistical profile of 22 goals scored and only one match failed to score at home shows they prioritise offensive output. The challenge is defensive balance, particularly away from home where they concede 2.3 goals per match. Selection decisions at the back, especially around more experienced defenders like Cesar Ruvalcaba and R. Aoki, will be key to stabilising their away performances.

New York City II Team News

No significant absences reported.

Columbus Crew II Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

New York City II:

• None reported.

Columbus Crew II:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: New York City II vs Columbus Crew II

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Back “New York City II or draw” in the double-chance market. The prediction percentages give New York City II and the draw a combined 90% likelihood (45% home, 45% draw) versus just 10% for a Columbus Crew II win, and New York City II have won four of five at home.
• Goals Tip: Consider a cautious position on under 3.5 goals. New York City II average 1.4 scored and 1.7 conceded, Columbus Crew II 1.8 scored and 1.8 conceded, and both teams have more matches under higher goal thresholds than over, suggesting a competitive but not necessarily goal-crazy contest.
• Value Tip: Look at a home win in a tight game (for example, New York City II to win by exactly one goal) as a value angle. New York City II’s strong home record, Columbus Crew II’s poor away defence, and the near-equal 45%/45% split between home win and draw point to a narrow margin rather than a blowout.

How to Watch New York City II vs Columbus Crew II

Broadcast coverage varies by region. General guide:

• Spain: Movistar LaLiga
• UK: Premier Sports
• Australia: beIN Sports
• India: FanCode
• MENA: beIN Sports
• South America: ESPN / Disney+
• Africa: SuperSport

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.