Many people around Major League Soccer consider Columbus Crew SC’s playing style, based on heavy possession and attack form the wings, unique around the league. However, statistics show that another franchise is succeeding utilizing the same brand of soccer: the Black & Gold’s next opponent, New York City FC.
The Eastern Conference rivals are among the teams that lead the league in possession, with NYCFC topping the list with 58.3 percent and Crew SC ranking fourth, with 53.4 percent, according to WhoScored.com. The teams are the first and second in passing accuracy (Crew SC with 82 percent, NYCFC with 81.