The game in 100 words (or less): Columbus Crew SC are headed to their second MLS Cup in club history (champions - 2008) after defeating the New York Red Bulls, 2-0 on aggregate, in the Eastern Conference finals (0-0 draw in an extremely chippy second leg on Sunday). Justin Meram and Kei Kamara scored the two-leg tie’s only goals — eight seconds and 85 minutes into the first leg, respectively — and Crew SC confidently managed the second leg by defending with numbers and wisely picking their spots to break out on the counter. RBNY held nearly 60 percent of possession in the second leg, but could muster just six shots on target over the 90 minutes. Crew SC will host the Portland Timbers in MLS Cup 2015 next Sunday (4 p.m. ET) at MAPFRE Stadium.
[ MORE: Previewing the MLS weekend ]
Three moments that mattered
38' — Robles at full stretch to deny Kamara — What’s better: the first touch, second touch, turn and shot by Kei Kamara; or, the sprawled-out save by Luis Robles to swat away a ball clearly headed for the bottom corner? Quality on quality.
Wow, @KeiKamara. WHOA, Luis Robles. #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/Pg32AXBfj7
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 30, 2015
90+3' — Abang heads home to make it nervy late — Anatole Abange rose above the crowd and headed home a recycled ball inside the penalty area after a Sal Zizzo cross was headed high into the air late into stoppage time.
.@NewYorkRedBulls went out with Abang in the closing minutes of #NYvCLB, but it wouldn't be enough. #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/dewziQUiD0
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 30, 2015
90+5' — Madness in the penalty area, RBNY hit the post — It was absolute scenes inside the Crew SC penalty area. Ball after ball pumped into the box, headed high into the air and briefly cleared. The final chance of the game fell to Bradley Wright-Phillips, who headed the ball toward the far post with Steve Clark rushing out quickly, only to see his slow dribbler bounce off the front side of the post and back into the field of play.
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Man of the match: Wil Trapp
Goalscorers: Abang (90+3')
