One match against the New York Red Bulls is the only thing standing in Columbus Crew SC’s way of returning to MLS Cup for the first time since 2008. But the Second Leg of the Eastern Conference Championship on Sunday night is the only thing the Black & Gold are focused on.
“We know New York pretty well, so we know what their strengths are,” goalkeeper Steve Clark says. “But again, it’s a challenge, so we’re not celebrating anything. We have to do it again, we have to climb that mountain again, and we’ll be ready for them on Sunday.”
Leading the series 2-0 on aggregate could tempt a team to take a peek past that return leg and think about the season finale, but that’s not the case for Crew SC. Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter is continuing to preach what he has all season: focus.
“We’re focused,” he says. “I’d say that’s the right word. These are tough games. […] It’s preparing the right way. It’s another game and we’ll be ready for it.”
The Black & Gold executed their game plan exceptionally well last weekend, handing New York its first shutout since May. They were ready from the first whistle through the last, scoring goals in the first nine seconds and the 85 minute.
After four meetings with the Red Bulls this year, Crew SC has become familiar with New York's style of play, and battles with tough opponents in the last few months have prepared Columbus for the playoffs. At this point, Berhalter says, the key is to find the right balance between staying focused and staying relaxed.
“They’re all good players," he says. "What’s the difference between what you did in the regular season and now? It’s to stay focused, stay relaxed, play your game.”
Midfielder Justin Meram netted the first goal for Columbus in the First Leg, setting a new record for the fastest goal scored in MLS playoff history. He stepped onto the pitch with tunnel vision to win and says things won’t change this time around.
“You have to have that mentality not to change anything, go in, do what you know best,” he says. “I think if we wanted to sit in, that would play to their advantage, so we just have to control the tempo. They’re going to have their chances, their moments, and we just have to hopefully stay strong in the back.”
Clark anticipates New York creating chances with its high press. He says Crew SC’s ability to defend in groups is key to stopping the Red Bulls’ attack.
“We defend with our whole team and we have good shape, good shifting,” he says. “But also, we don’t want to give them chances on the counterattack, which I think is an important part of that.”
The Red Bulls generally combine well around the penalty box, but Columbus did shut them down in the First Leg. Center midfielders Wil Trapp and Tony Tchani were able to win important challenges, play out of tight spaces and find Federico Higuaín in open spots to help break up New York’s high press.
“They’re very good at picking you off in your own half and creating chances off of that,” Clark says of the Red Bulls. “That’s their strength. They set that bar very early in the season and they continued throughout the entire season. In my eyes, they’ve been by far the best team in the League in doing that.”
Now, Crew SC will visit the best team of the regular season on Sunday. If the Black & Gold score at Red Bull Arena, New York would have to score four to get past Columbus. The Black & Gold have shown repeatedly this season that they can score on the road.
The Black & Gold went 6-2-0 in their final eight road matches of the regular season, becoming the only Eastern Conference club to win six road matches this year. They also scored 20 away goals throughout the regular season, 14 of which came within those final eight matches.
The pressure is on the Red Bulls who must shutout Crew SC at least 2-0 to keep their season alive. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. and will be televised nationally on FS1. If you’re in Columbus, head to the Three-Legged Mare for Crew SC’s official watch party beginning at 7 p.m.
