The New York Red Bulls defeated the Columbus Crew 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 regulation draw in MLS Playoff action Sunday night. With the stunning victory over the reigning champions, RBNY advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinal match and eliminated the No. 2 seed after winning the first two games of a best-of-3 series.
Three penalty shootout saves from Red Bulls' goalkeeper Carlos Coronel proved to be the difference, while two goal contributions from Emil Forsberg during regulation played a key factor, too.
The Crew opened the scoring in the 55th minute through substitute Max Arfsten, but RBNY responded nine minutes later through striker Dante Vanzeir. The Belgian forward was fed a delightful ball by Forsberg, and he finished in clinical fashion.
Then, in the 80th minute, Forsberg made a mark scoreline again, drawing and scoring a penalty kick for what seemed to be a go-ahead, series-ending winner. However, in the 95th minute, Crew striker Christian Ramirez headed home to draw level and send the match to penalties. Both teams missed in spot kicks, before academy product Daniel Edelman stepped up in the seventh round to place the winner out of reach of Patrick Schulte and knock out the No. 2 seed.
Columbus exits the postseason in shocking fashion. They were one of the favorites for MLS Cup, after winning last season and being finalists in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, winners of the 2024 Leagues Cup and Runners-Up of the 2024 Campeones Cup. Head coach Wilfried Nancy, who has been repeatedly linked with moves abroad, might have coached his last game in MLS.
The Red Bulls will now play the winner of the No. 6 NYCFC vs No. 3 FC Cincinnati matchup in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with a date and time to be determined.
