New York followed up the unexpected 1–0 win away against Columbus by also winning at home, after a penalty shootout (2–2 at full time). This gave them a 2–0 lead in matches in the best-of-three series and a spot in the quarterfinals.
It's all about our mentality. I've believed in this team since I got here, says Forsberg in an interview with the league's official account on X after the match.
The match winner was midfielder star Emil Forsberg. The 33-year-old Swede set up Dante Vanzeir for 1–1 in the 64th minute and then gave the home team the lead on a penalty – after being fouled himself – with ten minutes left of regular time.
Columbus equalized in stoppage time, but in the subsequent penalty shootout, New York was strongest. Forsberg scored one of the penalties, his compatriot Noah Eile also scored, and New York eliminated the reigning champions already in the first round.
In the quarterfinals, FC Cincinnati or New York City FC await. The score is 1–1 in matches there.
Regardless of the opponent, Emil Forsberg believes that New York Red Bulls have the opportunity to win the entire playoffs.
I've said it before: We can take it all the way home. Why not? That's the attitude we need to have, says Forsberg.
