Zardes finish enough for Crew to upset Red Bulls in first leg of MLS playoff clash

After outlasting D.C. United in a penalty shootout midweek, the Columbus Crew were able to edge the Supporters’ Shield winners at home to open the conference semifinal round of the MLS playoffs.

Federico Higuain set up Gyasi Zardes for the game-winning goal, leading the Crew to a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday at MAPFRE Stadium.

Following a fairly tepid first half, the Crew finally found their breakthrough in the second half thanks to a brilliant piece of skill from Higuain.

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The Argentinian star did not start Sunday’s match after playing all 120 minutes midweek, but Higuain provided the key assist after being introduced for Patrick Mullisn at halftime.

A Higuain flick played Zardes in all alone in the 61st minute, and the U.S. national team forward made no mistake with his first-time finish, beating Luis Robles to give the Crew the lead.

The hosts nearly added a second in the 89th minute as Pedro Santos evaded a tackle and rifled a shot at Robles. The goalkeeper, though, made a diving save to his left, preserving the scoreline heading into the second leg.

The Red Bulls’ best look of the day came in the 27th minute with Tim Parker’s header hitting both goalkeeper Zack Steffen and the post before bouncing away from goal. 

In stoppage time, Steffen made the save of the night, stopping Bradley Wright-Phillips on the doorstep in the 93rd minute to seal the Crew’s win.

With the win, the Crew will have an advantage heading into the second leg, which is set for Sunday at Red Bull Arena.

The match was the first of four playoff matches of the day. In the East, New York City FC will face Atlanta United, while Western Conference action sees the Portland Timbers face the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake take on Sporting KC.

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