It would have been a crass understatement to claim that the New York Red Bulls were not under pressure when they hosted the Columbus Crew in the second leg of their Eastern Conference semi-final, needing to overturn a one-goal deficit.
Supporters’ Shield winners. The best team in MLS. A chronicle of playoff capitulation. Expectation was high and history was daunting. Good job, then, that the Red Bulls put together one of their most complete performances of the season, dismantling the Crew to the tune of a 3-0 victory. The Eastern Conference Champions await.