COLUMBUS, OHIO (November 22, 2015) - The New York Red Bulls fell to Columbus Crew SC, 2-1, in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Championship in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday night at Columbus' MAPFRE Stadium. Justin Meram struck just nine seconds in for Columbus, and Kei Kamara added a tap-in goal in the 85th minute to put Crew SC ahead, 2-0 on aggregate, heading into next Sunday's second leg at Red Bull Arena.
New York is now 14-22-8 all-time in the postseason, including 0-4-0 against Crew SC. The match marks the first time in 26 matches that the Red Bulls have been shut out, including MLS regular season and playoffs.
Columbus started the scoring in the first minute. The opening kick was played forward to Kamara, who headed on for Ethan Finlay. Finlay was able to control the ball in the box and find Justin Meram, who fired a shot by Luis Robles to give the Crew SC a 1-0 lead. Meram's marker was the fastest goal scored in MLS playoff history, and the fastest allowed by New York this season.
It was also the first goal conceded by New York in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs. New York shutout D.C. United in both legs of its conference semifinal matchup.
Kamara tapped home a rebound after a Robles save in the 85th minute to double the advantage for the home team. It is the first goal the Red Bulls conceded to Kamara in four meetings this season.
New York settled in and had its chances, coming close several times and launching 16 shots toward the Columbus net. The Red Bulls finished the match with just over 53% of the possession. Robles, named Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year this week, made five saves.
The teams will meet again next weekend for the return leg at Red Bull Arena. The second leg is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes. The New York Red Bulls will also provide English and Spanish radio broadcasts via www.newyorkredbulls.com. The English radio broadcast will also be available nationwide on Sirius XM FC Channel 85.
