Columbus Crew B claimed a 2-1 victory over New England Revolution B in MLS Next Pro, using a strong second-half display to edge a competitive reserve-team clash. The home side’s ability to control possession in midfield and create chances from wide areas proved decisive, while New England’s late push was not enough to force a draw.

Match overview

Columbus Crew B started brightly and looked comfortable in possession during the opening exchanges. Their midfield rotation created passing lanes, and the front line made repeated runs in behind the New England defence. New England Revolution B responded with a compact shape and looked to hit on the break, but they struggled to maintain sustained pressure in the first half.

The game opened up after the interval. Columbus found the breakthrough with a well-constructed move, and although New England equalised soon after, the home side regained the lead and managed the closing stages with maturity.

Key moments

• Opening goal: Columbus Crew B broke the deadlock with a quick combination on the right and a finish from inside the box.
• New England response: Revolution B levelled with a counter-attack that exposed space behind Columbus’s advanced full-backs.
• Winning goal: Columbus restored their advantage after sustained pressure, with a midfielder arriving late to convert a cut-back.
• Late defending: The home side defended set pieces well in the final minutes to protect the three points.

Tactical story

Columbus Crew B’s game plan centred on controlling the ball and using their wide players to stretch New England’s back line. The hosts were patient in build-up and often switched play to create isolation on the flanks. That approach paid off for the opening goal and continued to cause problems throughout the match.

New England Revolution B were at their most dangerous in transition. Their equaliser came from a fast break that punished Columbus for committing numbers forward. However, the visitors struggled to sustain that threat, and Columbus’s midfield adjustments in the second half helped limit counter-attacking space.

Standout performers

Columbus’s midfield dictated the tempo and provided the platform for the win. The wide attackers were lively throughout, while the defence recovered well after conceding. For New England, the goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the scoreline close, and the attackers showed flashes of quality on the break.

Development focus

In MLS Next Pro, results matter, but player development remains central. Columbus Crew B will be pleased with how their young players handled a tight game and protected a lead. New England Revolution B will take encouragement from their response after going behind and will focus on turning promising transitions into more consistent attacking output.

The win gives Columbus valuable momentum in the reserve-team campaign, while New England will look to bounce back in their next fixture.