The Columbus Crew couldn’t force a third game in their first-round playoff series against the New York Red Bulls. After an intense match at Red Bull Arena, the Black & Gold fell short in a penalty shootout. The game ended 2-2 in regulation, with midfielder Max Arfsten scoring early in the second half and forward Christian Ramirez adding a last-minute equalizer.

Columbus Crew came onto the field determined to make a comeback, dominating possession in the first 10 minutes. Their first big chance came in the fourth minute when midfielder Mo Farsi crossed the ball into the box, finding forward Cucho Hernandez, whose header missed the target. This play set an intense tone at Red Bull Arena, as the reigning champions made it clear they wouldn’t go down without a fight.

Two minutes later, Hernandez was fouled and narrowly missed with a free-kick that went wide of goalkeeper Carlos Coronel’s far post. By the 15th minute, Columbus had controlled 72% of possession, but New York Red Bulls began creating isolated opportunities toward Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte’s net.

The Crew’s key to breaking through was exploiting the space left open behind Red Bulls midfielder Daniel Edelman, allowing Diego Rossi and Hernandez opportunities to drive the ball forward. In the 28th minute, Hernandez tried a long-range shot, though it posed little threat to Coronel.

The action picked up late in the first half. Forward Dylan Chambost won back possession amid a contentious non-call, sparking an argument between Farsi and Red Bulls’ John Tolkin that ended in a handshake. Then, in the 39th minute, Columbus nearly broke through, hitting the right post twice in a single play. Hernandez sent a long pass to Farsi, who dribbled past Tolkin and attempted to set up Rossi. In the ensuing scramble, Rossi’s shot hit the post, and Nagbe’s rebound attempt passed to Hernandez, also hit the post.

Hernandez continued to be a challenge for New York’s defense, and in the 42nd minute, he set up Rossi for a shot saved by Coronel. Chambost tried to capitalize on the rebound, but defender Cameron Harper blocked his effort near the goal line.

By halftime, it was clear that Columbus had the advantage in possession and creativity, while New York Red Bulls relied on quick transitions. Columbus ended the half with nine shots to New York’s two.

“It was clear that Columbus had more possession, while we aimed to strike on quick transitions,” said New York head coach Sandro Schwarz at halftime.

Columbus struck first in the second half, scoring in the 54th minute. A cross from Chambost found Hernandez, who showed composure by setting up Arfsten for the opening goal.

New York equalized in the 63rd minute due to a lapse by defender Steven Moreira, who mistakenly thought the ball had gone out and stopped playing. This allowed midfielder Emil Forsberg to find forward Dante Vanzeir, who brought the score to 1-1.

As time dwindled, Columbus Crew found themselves under pressure, needing another goal to stay in the series. In the 75th minute, Coronel’s long ball bypassed the Crew’s defense, giving Lewis Morgan a chance, but Schulte made a critical save. Moments later, a foul by Rudy Camacho on Forsberg in the box resulted in a penalty, which Forsberg converted in the 79th minute to give New York a two-goal advantage in the series.

In stoppage time, Ramirez kept Columbus alive with a dramatic header to send the game to penalties.

In the shootout, Rossi scored the opening penalty, and Schulte saved Tolkin’s shot, putting Columbus up 2-0. Ramirez converted his penalty, with Coronel diving the wrong way, but Red Bulls stayed close as Noah Eile scored. Hernandez extended the Crew’s lead, only for the hosts to respond and keep the shootout close.

Forward Jacen Russell-Rowe kept the Crew ahead, but Elias Manoel scored for New York, bringing it back to a one-goal margin. With the opportunity to seal the game, Cheberko missed his decisive shot, and Forsberg equalized for New York. Arfsten missed his attempt, and Coronel made a crucial save, only for Schulte to block New York’s next attempt, giving the Crew another chance.

However, Matan’s penalty lacked accuracy and power, and Edelman’s clinical shot finished off Columbus Crew’s MLS Cup 2024 campaign.