New York tops Columbus Crew 1-0 for playoff opening win
- Felipe Carballo scored the only goal of the match in the 25th minute, marking his first goal with New York.
- This victory was significant as it was New York's first road win in the MLS Cup playoffs since 2017 and their first postseason win in Columbus after four defeats.
- The Red Bulls will look to maintain this momentum in the upcoming match against Columbus on Sunday.
In a crucial playoff match held in Columbus, Ohio, New York's Felipe Carballo netted his first goal for the team during the 25th minute, leading to a 1-0 victory against the Columbus Crew. This win is particularly notable as it signifies New York's first road victory in the MLS Cup playoffs since 2017, solidifying their comeback in a challenging atmosphere. This match also marked a turnaround for the Red Bulls, as they previously faced four consecutive losses in playoff matches against Columbus. Carballo's goal came from a well-placed volley that capitalized on a header from teammate Dylan Nealis during a corner kick, showcasing their strategic play. Lewis Morgan, New York's scoring leader, almost doubled the lead with a near-miss in the 37th minute and another opportunity in the 67th minute where he rounded the goalkeeper but failed to convert. Making a significant contribution to the game, goalkeeper Carlos Coronel delivered an outstanding performance with at least eight saves, a feat not accomplished by a New York goalkeeper since Ryan Meara in 2020. As the series progresses, the Red Bulls are set to host Columbus in their next match on Sunday. This victory sets a promising tone for future encounters, as New York aims to advance further in the playoff series and leverage the momentum gained from this hard-fought match. The result not only boosts team morale but also reflects their potential to overcome past challenges in this high-stakes playoff environment.