Columbus escapes Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a win after a penalty-kick shootout
AUDI 2017 MLS PLAYOFFS / Columbus Crew SC qualified for the next round after a wild away match against Atlanta United FC. Although the stats highlighted a dominance in possession (56% vs 44%) for Atlanta, Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen made eight saves during the first 120 minutes pushing his teammates to the glory.
Columbus Crew were the underdog but Higuain and Co. played a good match confirming their great moment. On the other side, Tata Martino's high-powered attack was unable to break through the opponent defense line.
Columbus' keeper Steffen confirmed his state of grace during the penalty-kick shootout as well. The 22-year-old American goalkeeper made two huge saves against Julian Gressel and Gonzalez Pirez.
AUDI 2017 MLS Playoffs, Atlanta United-Columbus Crew | Stats
- Total Shots: 23 – 18
- Shots On Target: 8 – 5
- Shots Off Target: 12 – 8
- Shots Blocked: 3 – 5
- Passing Accuracy: 640 (81%) – 505 (77%)
- Ball Possession: 56% – 44%
Columbus Crew gets to the next round and will face NYC FC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The first match will be played on October 31st while the second-leg will take place at the Yankee Stadium in New York on November 5th.
