The Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Championship awaits Columbus Crew SC after it held serve and defeated New York City FC in the semifinal series on aggregate scoring by a margin of 4-3 after a match that finished 2-0 in favor of NYCFC on Sunday.
The Black & Gold will face Toronto FC for the right to host the MLS Cup final in a series that will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. ET at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus.
During the 15th minute, NYCFC forward Rodney Wallace went down in the box in a tie-up with Crew SC defender Josh Williams in an attempt to chase down a ball. A penalty was called on Williams which resulted in NYCFC forward David Villa converting a penalty kick into the center of the net to put the Pigeons ahead 1-0.
New York City tacked on another goal in the 53rd minute when a ball from defender Andraz Struna inadvertently ricocheted off the body of Crew SC defender Jonathan Mensah and found the back of the net. Wallace sent the pass to Struna prior to the goal and was credited with an assist.
The Black & Gold defenders were on their toes at Yankee Stadium as they persevered to hold their aggregate-goal lead. Columbus recorded 34 clearances compared to NYCFC’s nine. Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen also tallied four saves compared to Sean Johnson’s one.
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