Columbus Crew, the defending MLS Cup champions, saw their title defense abruptly come to an end on November 3, 2024, after being edged out by the New York Red Bulls in a dramatic penalty shootout. This surprising outcome marks one of the biggest upsets of the playoffs, considering the Crew's remarkable performance throughout the regular season, where they finished as the second-best team.
The match at Red Bull Arena concluded with the scoreline at 2-2 following extra time, but the Crew's elimination was sealed with the Red Bulls triumphing 5-4 on penalties. The first game of the three-match series had ended unfavorably for Columbus as well, with the Red Bulls securing a 1-0 victory at Lower.com Field just days before this encounter.
Much was at stake for both teams. The Crew were the reigning champions, buoyed by their impressive record-setting season where they registered 66 points, marked 19 wins, scored 72 goals, and boasted a goal differential of +32. By comparison, the Red Bulls, who boasted just the 16th-best regular season record, showed resilience as they fought for their playoff lives.
Both teams entered the match with their game faces on, and the initial half saw little to no action, going scoreless. Columbus made numerous attempts but could not find the back of the net against New York's stalwart defense. It wasn't until the 55th minute of the match when Crew midfielder Max Arfsten struck first, sending the Crew up 1-0 and igniting hopes among their fans. Arfsten’s goal, assisted by Cucho Hernández and Dylan Chambost, seemed to set the stage for the Crew to extend their lead.
Unfortunately for Columbus, the Red Bulls were quick to retaliate. Just ten minutes later, forward Dante Vanzeir leveled the score with his own goal, immediately bringing New York back to parity. Tension grew as the clock ticked down, but the drama peaked when Emil Forsberg of the Red Bulls drew a foul from Crew defender Rudy Camacho later setting up the second goal of the game—a penalty converted by Forsberg, shifting the momentum decisively.
With the score at 2-1 and time slipping away, Columbus was under immense pressure to equalize. The Crew managed to find their footing during stoppage time, with Christian Ramirez delivering the equalizer via header, assisted from the corner taken by Alexandru Matan. This last-ditch effort sent the match to penalties, where both teams could now only rely on their nerve and precision.
During the penalty shootout, the Crew began with impressive form, hitting their first four attempts. The pressure built on New York as they observed their opponents scoring consistently. But the tides turned, and it was goalkeeper Carlos Coronel who played the thumbs down for Columbus, saving three consecutive penalty attempts, contributing significantly to his team’s progression.
It came down to Daniel Edelman, the 21-year-old midfielder for the Red Bulls, to seal the fate of both teams. Under pressure, he confidently struck the winning penalty shot past Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, confirming New York’s advancement to the playoffs and leaving the Crew heartbroken.
The defeat was met with frustration as many within the Columbus camp had expected to make a deep run following their stellar season. Head coach Wilfried Nancy expressed disappointment but acknowledged the Red Bulls’ skill stating, “New York Red Bulls, they beat us twice, so they deserve to go through, simple as that's.” There were murmurs too about potential changes and decisions concerning the futures of the Crew’s key players and coaching staff, particularly Nancy and star forward Cucho Hernández, who may attract interest from wealthier squads across leagues.
The Crew's season, which began with such promise, has taken on the nature of lessons learned and contemplation of potential renewals for upcoming seasons. Their storied pursuit for back-to-back titles may have come to halt early, but with the right adjustments, suggestions, and perhaps some talent reinforcements, the Crew could be poised to rebound competitively moving forward.
Fans and analysts alike have been left to ponder the significance of this unexpected early exit, one where the defending champions faced the harsh reality of postseason pressures and missed opportunities. Now, the spotlight turns to the Red Bulls, who await their next opponents as they continue to forge their path through the playoffs, proving anything is possible in the world of soccer.