Wessam Abou Ali is determined to repay the Columbus Crew fans after a warm welcome, with a crucial game against the New York Red Bulls on the horizon. Abou Ali’s debut followed a transfer from Al Ahly, where he had a strong goal-scoring record. The Red Bulls are coming off a loss to Charlotte FC, adding importance to the upcoming match. Key players to watch include Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting for the Red Bulls and Diego Rossi for the Crew. A draw is predicted, considering both teams’ strengths and weaknesses.
New Columbus Crew signing Wessam Abou Ali is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the club's supporters after receiving a heartfelt welcome. The striker, who recently joined from Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, made his debut as a substitute in the Crew's recent defeat against the New England Revolution. Despite the result, Abou Ali was deeply moved by the reception he received and is determined to make a significant impact as the team prepares for a crucial Eastern Conference clash against the New York Red Bulls.
Abou Ali's arrival brings a wealth of experience and goal-scoring ability to the Columbus Crew. During his time in the Egyptian Premier League, the 26-year-old showcased his talent by playing in 35 matches over the last two seasons, netting an impressive 28 goals and providing seven assists. His performances also extended to the international stage, where he scored a memorable hat-trick against Porto at the Club World Cup. Although Al Ahly finished at the bottom of Group A with two points, Abou Ali's individual brilliance highlighted his potential to excel in a new environment.
“It feels amazing,” Abou Ali said, reflecting on his debut. “That’s why I came to get going, to start playing, to get to know my team-mates. It’s been a quick week, but I’m happy and I’m proud to make my debut. Obviously, it’s a nice feeling, and a warm welcome from the fans.” He emphasized his gratitude for the support he received, stating, “It was actually very amazing. I’m so grateful for the people that were here supporting the team. I had a very good welcome in the warm-up and every time I went to warm up as well on the other side during the game. I heard the roar when I came on as well. It’s a big thing for me. Of course, I’m representing myself, my family, a whole nation. So, it gives you a reason to give something back to these people and really work hard to make them happy and live up to those expectations.”
It’s Abou Ali O’Clock Wessam Abou Ali made his Black & Gold debut on Saturday night when he subbed into the match in the 57th minute. Congratulations, Wes! pic.twitter.com/RW3YqYwfQu
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 26, 2025
As Columbus prepares to face the New York Red Bulls, the team aims to build on their strengths and address areas for improvement. The Red Bulls are coming off a 1-0 defeat against Charlotte FC, a game where they accumulated 1.69 expected goals (xG) compared to their opponents’ 0.5. Despite the loss, the Red Bulls currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, six points behind Columbus. This upcoming match is critical for both teams as they look to climb the standings.
Key players to watch in this encounter include Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting for the New York Red Bulls and Diego Rossi for the Columbus Crew. Choupo-Moting has been a consistent goal-scorer for his team, leading the Red Bulls with 15 goals this season. His partnership with Emil Forsberg, who has eight goals and seven assists, makes them a formidable duo at home. Meanwhile, Diego Rossi has been in excellent form for the Crew, netting 13 goals in 26 MLS matches. His ability to either score or assist in recent games makes him a significant threat to the Red Bulls' defense.
Analyzing both teams' recent performances and historical data suggests a tightly contested match. The Red Bulls have a strong home record, scoring the most home goals in MLS this season, but struggle on the road. Columbus, despite recent inconsistencies, has shown resilience and an ability to bounce back from defeats. Historically, Columbus has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three straight regular-season games against the Red Bulls.
Considering these factors, a draw seems like the most probable outcome. Both teams have the quality to score, but their defensive vulnerabilities could lead to a stalemate. The Red Bulls will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage, while Columbus will aim to continue their positive record against their rivals. The game promises to be a compelling contest with both teams eager to secure valuable points in the Eastern Conference standings.
According to Opta's win probability, New York Red Bulls have a 34.4% chance of winning, a draw is at 25.8%, and Columbus Crew has a 39.7% chance of securing the victory.