The MLS Cup Playoffs kicked off for the Columbus Crew as they looked to defend their title, starting with a three-game series against the New York Red Bulls. After defeating the MLS original on Decision Day by a 3-2 scoreline, it was onto the best-of-three series for Wilfried Nancy’s side. Missing Diego Rossi, Taha Habroune, and Malte Amundsen, the Crew was prepared as they welcomed a scrappy, relentless Red Bulls side.

New York started on the front foot early. With Sandro Schwartz playing a high line and the Red Bulls pressing Columbus every chance, the first 30 minutes of the match were spent in the Crew’s defensive zone. Columbus had a couple of opportunities to break the high line from New York, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

With New York dictating the game speed, it soon paid off in the 25th minute when Felipe Carballo volleyed home a ping-ponged ball inside the 18-yard box past Patrick Schulte.

Columbus gained momentum in the latter stages of the first half maintaining possession, but couldn’t find the back of the net for the equalizer.

Columbus came out stronger to start the second half. The Red Bulls absorbed the pressure Columbus threw at them.

Lewis Morgan was given a golden chance to extend the Red Bull lead after he found himself alone with Schulte. A heavy touch would shift Morgan away from the goal before circling back to the top of the penalty area and having a shot on goal that was then saved by Schulte.

Columbus had multiple opportunities to level the match, but it was the strong backline and Carlos Coronel who held firm.

Coronel would stand tall against DeJuan Jones, who had a shot on target saved and sent out wide for a corner kick. Columbus would again pressure the Red Bull defense, but couldn’t find the missing piece of the puzzle to catch them lacking when it mattered most.

A flurry of Red Bull clearances saw Columbus reset multiple times either back with Schulte, or the holding defender in Yevhen Cheberko.

Nine minutes of stoppage time were added to the second half, giving the Black & Gold one last sliver of hope to force a penalty kick shootout. Jacen Russell-Rowe and AZ Jackson both had shots of their own in that lengthy period, but Coronel was there to make the easy saves.

The Crew nearly got the equalizer late, after Mo Farsi serviced a ball towards the penalty spot, but was interrupted by the head of Andres Herrera. The deflection curled toward the near post but just missed the placement of the low corner.

New York held their own, claiming the win and forcing Columbus to the brink of elimination.

Crew falter, hard

Despite having the majority of the ball throughout the entirety of the match, there was a lack of urgency from Wilfried Nancy’s side. The second half seemed better than the first as the Crew got more chances to score, but a silent night from Cucho Hernandez loomed large amongst those who were eager for the Colombian forward to score.

Must win Game 2

This position isn’t new territory for the Crew. They faced elimination last year after Atlana United claimed victory in their second game of the first round series. However, the likes of Diego Rossi were missed, so Columbus can hopefully expect to see him back in action, and force a Game 3 back home.

What’s next?

The Crew now travel back to Red Bull Arena for Game 2 of the best-of-three series. Kickoff is slated for 4:45 Sunday November 3. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.