The New York Red Bulls surprisingly eliminated reigning MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew in the first round, while Carlos Coronel made three saves in the penalty shootout

The New York Red Bulls defeated the Columbus Crew 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the MLS playoffs on Sunday night. With the stunning victory over the reigning champions, RBNY advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, eliminating the No. 2 seed after winning the first two games of a best-of-3 series.

Three penalty saves from Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made the difference, while two goal contributions from Emil Forsberg during regular time also played a crucial factor.

The Crew opened the scoring in the 55th minute through substitute Max Arfsten, but RBNY responded nine minutes later through striker Dante Vanzeir. The Belgian striker received a wonderful ball from Forsberg and finished the game in ice-cold fashion.

Then, in the 80th minute, Forsberg scored the game-winning goal again, tying the game and scoring a penalty that appeared to be the series-winning goal. But in the 95th minute, Crew striker Christian Ramirez scored the equalizer with a header and the game ended in a penalty shootout. Both teams failed on penalty kicks before junior Daniel Edelman stepped up in the seventh round, placing the winner beyond Patrick Schulte's reach and eliminating the No. 2 seed.

Columbus exits the postseason in shocking fashion. They were among the favorites for the MLS Cup after winning last season and were finalists in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, winners of the 2024 Leagues Cup and runners-up in the 2024 Campeones Cup. Head coach Wilfried Nancy, who is often linked with moves abroad, may have coached his last game in the MLS.

The Red Bulls will now play in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the winner of No. 6 NYCFC vs. No. 3 FC Cincinnati. Date and time are still to be determined.