NYCFC will face off against Columbus Crew SC in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs, after the Crew took down expansion side Atlanta United FC on penalties in the knockout round on Thursday night.
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City will head to Columbus to play the first leg of the series on Tuesday October 31 at 8pm ET before returning to New York City to finish the tie at Yankee Stadium on November 5th.
This match-up will mark the Crew’s first trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals since 2015, when they progressed to the MLS Cup final, losing to the Portland Timbers by a score of 2-1.
NYCFC and their new playoff opponent recently faced off on Decision Day, when City earned a 2-2 draw at Citi Field to ensure their first-round playoff bye.
FIVE THINGS: What We’ve Learned in 2017
After City fell behind early through an Ola Kamara goal, David Villa scored a first-half brace, banging in a header from a Maxi Moralez corner kick before slotting another past Zack Steffen just before halftime to up his goal tally to 22 on the season.
After missing out on the playoffs last season, Columbus earned the fifth seed this year. Columbus came on strong during the second half of the season, going undefeated after August 5th.
The all-time series between NYCFC and Columbus is even at 2-2-3, with NYC winning 3-2 back in April before drawing 2-2 on Decision Day.
IN NUMBERS: NYCFC in 2017
