The New York Red Bulls defeated the Columbus Crew 5-4 in a penalty shootout after drawing 2-2 in MLS Playoff action 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 shootout saves from Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel proved to be the difference, while two goals from Emil Forsberg in regulation also played a key 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 attacker was presented with a wonderful ball from Forsberg and finished in a clinical manner.

Then Forsberg made another clear score in the 80th minute, drawing and scoring a penalty for what looked like a leading, series-ending winner. However, in the 95th minute, Crew striker Christian Ramirez headed home to draw level and send the match to penalties. Both teams missed penalties before academy product Daniel Edelman stepped up in the seventh round to put the winner out of reach of Patrick Schulte and eliminate No. 2 seed.

Columbus makes a shocking exit from the postseason. They were one of the favorites for the MLS Cup, having won last season and were finalists in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, winners of the 2024 Leagues Cup and runners-up of the 2024 Campeones Cup. Head coach Wilfried Nancy, who has been repeatedly linked brought with moves abroad, may have coached his last game in the MLS.

The Red Bulls will now play the winner of the No. 6 NYCFC vs. No. 3 FC Cincinnati match in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with a date and time to be determined.