In a match with plenty of drama, the Columbus Crew beat Indy Eleven 2-1 in extra time to advance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup despite playing with nine men by the end of the match.
The Crew started the game fast, when Bernardo Anor headed home a Ben Speas corner kick in the fourth minute to give Columbus – the home team playing in the University of Akron's FirstEnergy Stadium – an early lead.
But Columbus was forced to play with ten men for the majority of the match after Adam Bedell earned a straight red card in the 34th minute for a rash challenge.
Indy capitalized in the 63rd minute, when Montreal Impact loanee Blake Smith beat Steve Clark to level the game for the visitors.
The Crew clung to the level score into extra time, when Daniel Paladini became the second Crew player in gold sent off in the 110th minute thanks to a late elbow borne out of frustration.
But Indy couldn't capitalize on the advantage, and when Ethan Finlay was brought down in the box, the Crew earned a late penalty kick and substitute Jairo Arrieta capitalized in the 115th minute to hand the Crew a hard-earned win.
