Felipe Carballo's first MLS goal secured the victory for New York Red Bulls 1-0 victory over reining MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew in the first match of their Best-of-3 series.
Carballo volleyed home a bouncing ball midway through the first half for the lone goal of the game.
"It's a very good moment for the first goal now in the first playoff game," Head Coach Sandro Schwarz said. "He's a very important player for us and was good in combination with Daniel Edelman today."
Carballo scored his first career goal for the Red Bulls and his first career MLS Cup Playoffs goal. The Uruguayan international became the ninth player in franchise history to score a goal in their first-ever playoff match.
Dylan Nealis recorded his first career MLS Cup playoff assist in the match and his fifth of the season across all competitions, which is the most by a defender this year. Lewis Morgan tallied his first career MLS Cup Playoff assist and his ninth assist across all competitions for New York this season.
Carlos Coronel turned in an impressive performance with eight saves across the match.
"I think the whole team did their best today for this game," Coronel said. "We invested a lot. We had a great week before this game. I think we played the 90 minutes with high focus because any mistakes against these teams they have the opportunity to score. I think this was the big key today, how we played together, the focus, and the communication on the field."
Coronel tied for second-most saves in a playoff match in club history and tied his personal best career-high.
"I'm very happy with my performance, but we know that this is only the first step," Coronel said. "We have another big game on Sunday, and we must prepare for that."
Coronel posted his fifth clean sheet of the season across all competitions.
The Red Bulls will host Columbus on Sunday, November 3 for Game 2 of Round One of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs at Red Bull Arena.
"This is one step, and we have to continue this and to prepare very seriously now for Sunday, the next game, in our stadium," Schwarz said.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET with coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in English and Spanish and New York Red Bulls Radio in English via the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
"What I can say is we need everyone in our stadium, everyone in our stadium to support the whole team, because it's a big opportunity," Schwarz said. "It's a big game on Sunday. We must prepare these days now, for a good recovery, good video meeting, and good video session. What we must adapt in some moments, and then on Sunday is kick off, and we need everyone in the stadium to create this atmosphere, the special atmosphere, which you need against Columbus."
First 15,000 fans get a RED RUNS ON rally towel.
