Gyasi Zardes scored a goal in the 61st minute to give Columbus Crew SC a 1-0 victory over the top-seeded New York Red Bulls during the first leg of an Eastern Conference semifinal Sunday at MAPFRE Stadium.
Zardes finished a ball centered in the box by teammate Federico Higuain, who gave the ball a slight tap with the back of his heel. The second leg will be played at Red Bull Arena Nov. 11. A Crew win in the semifinals would be a major upset for the Red Bulls, who won the Supporters Shield this season for the third time in six years but never have won an MLS Cup. Watch a replay of Zardes goal in the video above. You can follow live match stats here, and check back later for a full recap and highlights.
Let's take this ride to New York 👊🚗#CrewSC | #ClaimGlory | #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/AryIPaJbCw
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) November 4, 2018
The breakthrough! Gyasi Zardes for @ColumbusCrewSC.#CLBvRBNY // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/ksxfkR1pZN
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 4, 2018
A little over a year ago Gyasi Zardes was being convinced he was a right back. He believed in himself and well……you’ve seen the results. Greg Berhalter believed in him from day one.
— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) November 4, 2018
Nice goal by Gyasi #Zardes. Looks like #CrewSC will take the 1st leg. #CLBvRBNY https://t.co/xT7ZntQugk
— GS7 ⚒️ (@GS7_89) November 4, 2018
Are you kidding me, Pipa?! Simply majestic back heel to set up Gyasi Zardes. #CrewSC take a 1-0 lead. #CLBvRBNY #MLSCupPlayoffspic.twitter.com/MEkUmnOUvA
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) November 4, 2018
21' Nice overlapping run from Milton Valenzuela who comes onto a ball from Justin Meram and crosses it towards Gyasi Zardes whose header sails over the bar. Best chance from either team so far. #CLBvRBNY #MLSCupPlayoffs
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) November 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/dylanwalsh_/status/1059197919411220480