Columbus Crew take control of MLS playoffs

Nov 1, 2017 - 4:15 AM Columbus Crew, with an extra man, have scored three second-half goals in a 4-1 victory over New York City FC in the first leg of their Major League Soccer eastern conference semi-final showdown.

Trailing 1-0, New York City defender Alexander Callens was shown a red card on Tuesday in the 52nd minute. A video review showed he had elbowed Justin Meram in the face, and the home side spared no mercy to seize control.

Columbus had already taken an early lead when Ola Kamara netted a close-range effort in the sixth minute and the Crew pulled clear in the final 45 minutes.

Artur scored from the middle of the penalty area in the 58th minute, before Meram added a third in the 69th minute and Harrison Afful capped the rout with an injury-time strike.

David Villa scored a 78th-minute consolation goal for New York, who find themselves in a huge hole heading into Sunday's second leg at Yankee Stadium.

The Crew received a special boost from their home crowd as fans responded to reports that owner Anthony Precourt was considering moving the team to Austin, Texas.

Fans displayed "Save the Crew" signs around the Mapfre Stadium and cheered wildly.

Source: AAP