OneFootball
Emily Wilson·30 de octubre de 2024
OneFootball
Emily Wilson·30 de octubre de 2024
We have more MLS Cup Playoff action on Tuesday, with two games scheduled across the United States.
Here is what went down in the Eastern and Western Conferences.
It was a match full of brilliant defending and heroic goalkeeping as Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United’s playoff opener was decided on penalties.
The first 45 minutes, however, were fairly dull between these two sides at America First Field. Only four attempts were made, led by the visitors (3-1). The second half then brought the entertainment.
Top defensive work allowed the match to remain goalless. RSL and Minnesota United registered a combined 23 successful tackles, 38 clearances and 18 interceptions. Both Zac MacMath (seven saves) and Dayne St. Clair (five) proved decisive down to the wire.
Diego Luna and Cristian Arango led the attack for the hosts, while Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi led the way for the visitors. In truth, it was the Loons who missed the better efforts to break the deadlock.
The match then went to penalties, where MacMath made a save on Michael Boxall before Justen Glad skied his effort over the bar.
Minnesota United ultimately won after Braian Ojeda hit the crossbar and they now have a chance to move on with a win at home in game two.
Scorer: Carbaro 25′
Reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew saw their playoff campaign get off to a rocky start after the New York Red Bulls walked away happier in a 1-0 win.
It was a fast-paced match as both sides looked to find the breakthrough. And while it appeared it would arrive at the hands of the hosts, Lower.com Field was stunned.
Midfielder Felipe Carballo was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time as the 28-year-old volleyed home beyond goalkeeper Patrick Schulte for his first MLS goal following a corner.
Behind by the break, the Crew rightfully ramped up the pressure. They are tied for the most goals by a substitute (12) across MLS and pushed up for an equalizer.
Cucho Hernandez dragged the attack forward and thought he drew a penalty, but the claims fell on deaf ears. Mo Farsi and Aziel Jackson also saw their overlapping runs cause problems for the NYRB.
However, despite having only 24% possession of the ball, the visitors had better chances to score. Lewis Morgan made an effort 1-on-1 with Schulte before Cameron Harper dragged an effort wide.
Two late efforts from Jacen Russell-Rowe then fell short and goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made a massive save in the dying moments to see the game out.
The result means NYRB could eliminate the Crew in Game 2 back in New York.
Feature image credit: © Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images