There’s just something about that 2-1 score line with Columbus Crew SC and the New York Red Bulls in 2015. All three regular-season meetings between the two top teams in the East concluded 2-1, with New York leading the series…you guessed it, 2-1.
The two teams will meet again in the Eastern Conference Championship. Ahead of the First Leg at MAPFRE Stadium on Sunday, we take a look at the previous clashes this season.
March 28: 2-1 Loss at MAPFRE Stadium
The first meeting between Crew SC and the Red Bulls this year took place on March 28, a cold night at MAPFRE Stadium. It was Columbus' third match of the season and the execution of the Black & Gold’s game plan wasn’t quite there.
In a clash between two of the best possession-oriented clubs in MLS, offense was generated largely on the counter. Crew SC outshot the Red Bulls 15-13 and kept them on their heels as New York registered 45 clearances. Match Recap.
Bradley-Wright Phillips broke the deadlock with a penalty kick in the 48th minute, which Lloyd Sam earned from a tackle in the box. But Columbus responded just 10 minutes later as Federico Higuaín’s corner slipped past everyone except Tony Tchani on the back post. He leveled the score against his former club before Mike Grella chipped Steve Clark on a defensive turnover for the win.
Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter said the result reflected his team’s performance, as they needed more movement to be successful. Post-match quotes.
July 4: 2-1 Win at MAPFRE Stadium
By Independence Day, Crew SC was looking like a new team. Despite conceding a goal in the first eight minutes, Columbus came out strong and kept up the pace for the full 90.
New York profited on a turnover inside its defensive third, sending the ball up the middle and finding Anatole Abang in a foot race for the finish. But Steve Clark got a little payback for Abang’s cool finish when he assisted one of Ethan Finlay’s two goals on the night. He found Kei Kamara on a goal kick for a flick to Finlay. The winger cut hard inside and curled a beautiful finish to the upper 90 with his left.
The dynamic attacking duo combined again in the second half for the game-winner. The play started with another flick by Kamara before he set up Pipa’s chip to Finlay’s foot for the finish. The Black & Gold were relentless, registering 19 shots compared to New York’s 11. Again, the typically high-pressuring Red Bulls were forced to make 42 clearances. Match Recap.
The movement that had been lacking in their first meeting was apparent for Crew SC this time around, and it paid off as the Black & Gold racked up three points at home. With Homegrown midfielder Wil Trapp making an appearance in his first home match in nearly three months after suffering a concussion, the Fourth of July match gave Columbus many reasons to celebrate with fireworks. Post-match quotes.
October 3: 2-1 Loss at Red Bull Arena
All three goals were scored in the first 21 minutes of a hectic match at Red Bull Arena. New York was sitting atop the East and had secured a playoff berth, while Crew SC was just a point away from their postseason spot. Match Recap.
Meram kicked off the scoring in the ninth minute as he dribbled through two New York players and split five defenders. He found Harrison Afful out on the wing, who slotted it back in the box for a one-touch finish by Meram.
Just four minutes later, Steve Clark parried away a shot by Grella, but Sacha Klejstan slotted it back across the box for an ensuing Sam Lloyd. New York Head Coach Jesse Marsch had been suspended for the match, but his trademark high-pressure was present. Less than 10 minutes after the equalizer, the game-winning header by Phillips was the result of a mishit clearance.
It was Crew SC’s first away loss in over two months, but Berhalter remained positive saying, “I think at this time in the year, games like this are only going to help us.” Post-match quotes.
Berhalter’s notion has proven to be correct judging by Columbus’ Eastern Conference Semifinals series with Montreal. The two top teams in the East will deservedly meet in the Eastern Conference Championship this Sunday at MAPFRE Stadium. And who knows…the First Leg could finish 2-1.
