Following wins in the first round of group play of the MLS is Back Tournament, Columbus Crew SC and New York Red Bulls met with a spot in the knockout round up for grabs. It was the Crew that maintained momentum, as Gyasi Zardes and Lucas Zelarayan were once against on the scoresheet to carry the Black & Gold to a 2-0 victory.
The 83rd meeting all-time between the two sides saw the Red Bulls dictate the pace through the opening 10 minutes of play. Columbus found its footing as the first half progressed as the trio of Lucas Zelarayan, Pedro Santos and Gyasi Zardes lead a Black & Gold offensive onslaught that saw Columbus claim a 9-3 advantage in shots at the end of the first half.