Gold smoke from an empty MAPFRE Stadium supporters section signaled what the incoming Columbus Crew win. It took extra time, but the Black & Gold pushed past Nashville SC with a 2-0 in the MLS Cup playoffs on Sunday night. Goals from Pedro Santos and Gyasi Zardes provided the margin as Columbus moves on in the Eastern Conference Final.
Columbus applied some pressure early but only had a sixth-minute Santos effort from the top of the penalty box that Nashville blocked to show for it. As the half progressed, the home side looked more comfortable in possession while Nashville assumed a tight defensive block.