After winning the best-of-three series against Atlanta United in round one of the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs, the Columbus Crew was tasked against Orlando City SC in the Eastern Conference semifinals from Exploria Stadium on Saturday night. Weeks prior, the two matched up, with the Black & Gold leading by two goals before a raging comeback from the Lions to take the win 4-3.

This match, however, did not see the same high-scoring nature. The two teams battled to a 0-0 draw across 90 minutes before Columbus was able to take advantage of being a man up to earn a 2-0 and keep the postseason run alive.

The first half was a back-and-forth first 45 minutes, with both teams creating multiple chances. Orlando City came close to opening the scoring when attacker Facundo Torres’ shot was just high over the crossbar after winger Ivan Angulo used his pace to get around multiple Crew defenders. He found Torres all alone at the top of the penalty box but the Uruguayan could not finish.

Columbus had a chance minutes later. A quick free kick ended with midfielder Alexandru Matan firing a shot right at Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

In the 23rd minute, Matan found forward Diego Rossi running through the midfield all alone heading towards the attacking penalty area. After taking the pass from Matan, Rossi had a shot on goal that was saved by Gallese, forcing Orlando to clear the ball out of bounds for a throw-in.

Another good opportunity came for the Black & Gold just before halftime. Rossi collected a pass in the midfield and turned to charge towards goal. The Uruguayan found forward Cucho Hernandez, who was marked heavily by two Orlando defenders. The touch from the Colombian took him out of pressure and towards the goal line, with a shot just missing the far post.

The last bit of the half saw no clear-cut chance, as the teams entered their respective dressing rooms level at 0-0 at the half.

Just after halftime, Columbus had a chance to break the deadlock when Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte sent a ball forward after a miscommunication on the kickoff. The pass — or clearance — found wing back Mohamed Farsi to collec, and start a counter attack for the visitors. However, the Black & Gold’s attack ended in a corner kick effort that did not lead to a shot.

With both teams creating chances, but not converting, the second half was back and forth. It wasn’t until the 77th minute when the Lions were reduced to 10 men. Center back Rodrigo Schlegel took down Rossi on his way to collect a through ball pass from Hernandez from the Crew’s defensive half.

Despite the numbers disadvantage, City came just inches away from securing the winner just before the end of regulation. The attempt from forward Ramiro Enrique missed the far post and extra time was the result.

At the start of the additional 30-minute period, head coach Wilried Nancy brought on forward Christian Ramirez. And it was Ramirez who got the game’s first goal in the 93rd minute, putting home a cross from midfielder Aidan Morris who won the ball back at the top of the penalty area before delivering the pass.

In a span of three minutes, the Black & Gold gave up three corner kicks, from missed passes and or turnovers as the team struggled to get out of their own half despite having an extra player on the field. Orlando was unable to convert on any of the given set pieces, but momentum was in the favor of the home side.

Schulte was called to come up big midway through the first half of extra time, making two game-saving saves on Enrique to preserve the 1-0 lead for Columbus. The Crew used the break in extra time to collect themselves before another 15-minute battle

To start the second half of extra time, Schulte was called into action again, when the high press from Orlando forced the Black & Gold to turn the ball over. Enrique had a good angle to get a shot on goal but Schulte was quick to dive down to the right and collect the shot.

Columbus found a second goal via Hernandez. The forward took a shot from the center circle on an empty net, sealing the victory for the Crew and sending the team to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in three years

Schulte has a day

Patrick Schulte had little to no action throughout the first half of regulation. It wasn’t until the second half and the extra time period that the young goalkeeper in his first season in MLS was forced into action, making three to preserve the win for the Crew.

Columbus Advance

After missing the postseason the last two years, the Crew is one win away from returning to the MLS Cup Final for the fourth time in the team’s history. Defeating Atlanta United in the first round put the Black & Gold against a tough Orlando City side. However, Columbus fought hard and was able to advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since winning MLS Cup in 2020.

What’s next?

It will be a Hell is Real Derby in the Eastern Conference Final. Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati defeated the Philadelphia Union 1-0 in the other conference semifinal to set up an all-Ohio battle for the right to host the league’s championship game. Kick off is slated for Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. ET on MLS SeasonPass on Apple TV.