Analysis The numbers behind the result
NYCFC edge Columbus despite lower xG and possession
New York City FC's 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew slightly defied the expected goals (xG) narrative, with the visitors posting 1.41 xG to Columbus's 1.67. The Crew dominated possession (59%) and outshot NYCFC 11-8, but NYCFC were more clinical, converting two of their five shots on target. Nicolas Mercau's 28th-minute penalty and Agustin Ojeda's 70th-minute strike proved decisive, with the latter assisted by Talles Magno off the bench.
Columbus's higher xG was partly inflated by a 93rd-minute penalty from Daniel Gazdag, but their 59% possession translated into just four shots on target. NYCFC, despite seeing less of the ball, created higher-quality chances with seven of their eight shots coming inside the box. The key stat: NYCFC scored twice from 1.41 xG (1.42 goals per xG), while Columbus managed one from 1.67 xG (0.60 goals per xG), underlining the visitors' superior efficiency.