The first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff game is in the books and Columbus Crew 2 claimed victory over Rochester New York FC by a 4-1 scoreline. A hat trick by forward and the league’s Golden Boot winner Jacen Russell-Rowe propelled the Black & Gold to victory. Russell-Rowe did not feature in the two regular season meetings between the sides this year, both of which were losses for Columbus where the team was unable to find the back of the net in either game.
The scoring did not start in this game until just before halftime. Both teams struggled to generate good chances early while picking up two yellow cards each in the first half.