MATCH RECAP: Columbus Crew 3, New York Red Bulls 0; Defender Will Sands returns to action after recovering from 2023 season-ending injury

By Mariana Smithfield

Will Sands Crew defender back onto field after an injury kept him out. Fans gave him a loud applause. 3 16 2024 vs. NY Red Bulls Crew 3 NYRB 0 (courtesy Crew Communications)

Will Sands Crew Defender Postgame Locker Room March 16, 2024 Crew 3 NY Red Bulls 0 .mp3

Will Sands

Match Notes:

  • The Crew earned a 3-0 win against the New York Red Bulls in tonight’s home match at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
    • With the home victory, the Black & Gold have earned 10 points (3-0-1) through their first three MLS matches, tied for best total to begin a season. It’s only the third time the Club has registered 10 points through its first four matches (2018 and 2020).
    • The result also marks the seventh time in Crew history the team has started a season 3-0-0 at home (1997, 1998, 2008, 2010, 2020, 2023 and 2024).
    • The Black & Gold have netted at least one goal in all their 2024 MLS matches to date. The Club has scored in their first four matches each of the past three seasons (2022-2024), the longest such streak in Club history.
    • The Crew have only allowed two goals through four matches in MLS play, tied for second fewest in Club History (1 allowed in 2020, 2 in 2007).
    • With tonight’s victory over the New York Red Bulls, the Crew have extended their home unbeaten streak to 15 regular-season matches, the second-longest streak in club history (22 games from 2008-09).
    • Columbus is currently only one of two teams that have yet to trail in a match this season, joining FC Cincinnati who play at the New England Revolution tomorrow.
    • The Crew have scored in 20 consecutive matches across all competitions, registering 41 goals in the stretch, and 18 in MLS play.
  • Defender Will Sands played in his first match since sustaining a season-ending injury on April 22, 2023. It was the 20th appearance of his MLS career.

 

PHOTOS FROM THE MATCH

Cucho Hernandez Crew striker making a point about Crew team 3 16 2024 vs. NY Red Bulls Crew 3 NYRB 0 (courtesy Crew Communications)

 

Jacen Russell-Rowe kicks ball ahead to teammate 3 16 2024 vs. NY Red Bulls Crew 3 NYRB 0 (courtesy Crew Communications)

 

COURTESY COLUMBUS CREW COMMUNICATIONS