Less than a month ago, supporters at MAPFRE Stadium witnessed a grandiose performance by Columbus Crew SC on its “Road to the Cup.” Trailing the Montreal Impact 2-1 after Leg One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Black & Gold responded with “character, resiliency and just battling,” as midfielder Wil Trapp put it.
“When the chips are down, we respond,” he said. “That’s what you want.”
In fact, it took Crew SC only four minutes in the Second Leg to respond. Waylon Francis curled a perfect cross into the box for Kei Kamara, who leveled the aggregate score at 2 with a powerful header.
Crew SC’s confidence was soaring to match the charged atmosphere at MAPFRE Stadium. But when the Black & Gold couldn’t convert a second goal, Montreal began settling into the match. Dilly Duka leveled the score shorty before the break and Crew SC’s 2015 campaign could have ended there.
Things seemed to go against Crew SC after Kamara missed a penalty kick in the second half. But the Black & Gold had other plans. Cedrick Mabwati and Jack McInerney stepped onto the pitch to increase the speed of play for Crew SC, and both had an immediate impact.
In the 77th minute the ball fell to McInerney inside the box. His shot was block by Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush, but Ethan Finlay was there to smash the rebound home and bring the aggregate score even once again. The match was sent into extra time and heart-shaped hands were again on display as Mabwati found Kamara for the game-winner in the 111th minute.
In a thrilling match, Columbus put on a complete performance from top to bottom. The 4-3 series win for Crew SC showcased the team’s resiliency and comradery that had factored into its success all season and ultimately propelled Crew SC past the New York Red Bulls to MLS. More on that later.
