The Columbus Crew will begin their quest to become fourth consecutive MLS Cup champions when they host the New York Red Bulls in their first-round opener on Tuesday.

Seventh-seeded New York is a familiar opponent for second-seeded Columbus in the best-of-three set.

The second game of the series is Sunday in Harrison, New Jersey, where the Crew defeated the host Red Bulls 3-2 in the regular season finale on Oct. 19 with a 97th-minute goal from Malte Amundsen.

Columbus led 2-0 before Emil Forsberg tied the game in the 78th and 87th minutes. This performance gives New York confidence that it can keep pace with the league leaders in goal difference (plus-32).

“We believe we can beat Columbus,” said Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz. “We have to defend better, especially against a good team like Columbus. If we make simple mistakes individually in our defense, we will definitely have no chance against Columbus because of their quality. They can punish you directly in these moments.”

“But on the other hand, if we are active and play intensely, we play strong, if we play forward, use our dynamic action with the ball, against the ball, then I would say that we can have a chance against Columbus .” .”

The Red Bulls have to deal with league MVP finalist Cucho Hernandez. The Crew forward scored six goals and four assists in his last six games and set the club's single-season record with 33 goal involvements (19 goals, 14 assists).

“Everyone knows Cucho, he always wants to win the games,” said Crew defender Yevhen Cheberko. “He is very competitive in training and in games. Everyone feels more compelled to play equally.”

The Red Bulls counter with Forsberg, who has scored three goals and two assists in the last three games.

A third game, if necessary, will be Nov. 10 in Columbus. In addition to winning the final, the Crew also scored a 3-0 home win against New York on March 16.

Columbus is looking to join the Los Angeles Galaxy (2011-12), Houston Dynamo (2006-07) and DC United (1996-97) as repeat champions.

A fourth MLS Cup (they also won in 2008 and 2020) would give the team tied with DC United for the second-most finish behind the five Galaxy Cups.

–Field level media