Tue Oct 29 21:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Columbus Crew Aim for Historic Repeat, Facing Familiar Foe New York Red Bulls in Playoffs

Columbus Crew, the reigning MLS Cup champions, kick off their quest for a historic back-to-back title with a Round 1 playoff series against the New York Red Bulls on Tuesday. This marks the second time the two teams meet in the playoffs, with the Crew having a clear advantage in the regular season, including a dramatic 3-2 victory in the season finale.

Despite the recent record, Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz remains optimistic. “We believe we can beat Columbus,” he stated. “We need to defend better, especially against a team with their quality.” He emphasized the importance of playing with intensity and utilizing their dynamic attacking style to challenge the league leaders.

Columbus will rely on the formidable Cucho Hernandez, the league MVP finalist, who has been in blistering form with six goals and four assists in his last six matches. His stellar performance has fueled the team to a record-breaking 33 goal contributions this season. “Everyone knows Cucho, he wants to win all the time,” said Crew defender Yevhen Cheberko. “He’s so competitive, and everyone feels a greater responsibility to match his intensity.”

The Red Bulls will counter with their own attacking threat in Emil Forsberg, who has been equally impressive with three goals and two assists in his last three games.

The series, a best-of-three, will continue Sunday in Harrison, N.J., with a potential deciding third match scheduled for November 10 in Columbus. If victorious, the Crew will join an exclusive club of back-to-back MLS Cup champions: the LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, and D.C. United. A fourth MLS Cup title would also tie them with D.C. United for the second-most in league history, just behind the LA Galaxy’s five.

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