Columbus Crew 2 has been the best team in the Eastern Conference for most of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season. Entering Sunday, the Black & Gold looked to extend the team’s lead at the top of the East in a road match against FC Cincinnati 2. But after multiple leads were squandered and the score was 3-3 at the end of regulation, Columbus lost its third penalty shootout of the season, 4-2.
Crew 2 was without MLS NEXT Pro’s leading goalscorer Jacen Russell-Rowe for the match as he was with the first team for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Colorado Rapids.