NY Red Bulls Triumph Over Reigning Champions
In an electrifying showdown at Red Bull Arena, the New York Red Bulls clinched a victory over reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Entering the match down 1-0 in the series, Columbus sought redemption and controlled the pace in the first half, creating chances but failing to convert. However, their fortunes changed when substitute Max Arfsten scored just minutes after being subbed on, rekindling Columbus’s hopes.
The Red Bulls responded swiftly with a remarkable play as Emil Forsberg set up Dante Vanzeir for a crucial goal, leveling the score. Columbus then gifted the Red Bulls a penalty in the 80th minute, which Forsberg confidently converted. Columbus refused to back down, though, with Christian Ramirez equalizing in the 96th minute, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, New York’s goalkeeper Carlos Miguel shone, making 3 decisive saves in a row, while young homegrown star Daniel Edelman stepped up to convert the winning penalty, sending the Red Bulls through in a thrilling finish.
Seattle Sounders Advance on Penalties
The Seattle Sounders also secured a spot in the next playoff round after a nail-biting penalty shootout against the Houston Dynamo. The match was evenly contested until Houston’s Héctor Herrera received a red card after a VAR review, giving Seattle an advantage. Cristian Roldan soon capitalized, scoring in the 87th minute, but a last-minute own goal by Seattle’s hero at the other end of the park sent the game to penalties. After an intense shootout, Sounders’ Stefan Frei made a crucial save against Tate Schmitt, sealing their place in the semifinals.
Vancouver Stuns 1-Seed LAFC at BC Place
Vancouver Whitecaps pulled off a major upset against top-seeded LAFC in front of a passionate home crowd. Led by Ryan Gauld, Vancouver took control from the start, with Gauld scoring early and creating an own goal by LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead just minutes later. Despite LAFC’s renowned firepower, they struggled to find momentum, trailing 2-0 at halftime. Gauld later forced another own goal off Eddie Segura, sealing a 3-0 win. The series now heads to LA for a decisive third match, with the Whitecaps and LAFC each vying for a spot in the conference semifinal against Seattle.
