Twitter Reacts: Crew SC down Wayne Rooney and D.C. United

Did you catch your breath yet? Columbus Crew SC edged out a red hot D.C. United squad on Thursday evening, winning 3-2 on penalty kicks to advance into the conference semifinals. While some fans made the trip East to Audi Field, many elected to stay back and take in the game from the comfort of home or at a local watering hole.

Luckily for us, Twitter brings fans from far and wide together to share opinions on what is going on. Crew SC Twitter was buzzing during Thursday’s knockout round match.

While fans back home got settled in, the game kicked off in front of a raucous, sellout crowd at Audi Field.

Both teams exchanged chances early on as both MLS originals grappled for supremacy. In the 21st minute, the four time MLS Cup champions jumped out to a 1-0 lead. The goal wasn’t the brightest moment for Crew SC keeper Zack Steffen, but as we learned later on in the evening, it was just a hiccup.

Ten minutes later, Crew SC designated player Federico Higuain brought his squad level with the Black and Red, scoring off a Justin Meram cross. Fans were pretty pumped.

The two teams entered the locker room at halftime still looking to break the deadlock. Head coach Gregg Berhalter offered his thoughts to Katie Witham at halftime.

Fans on Twitter really became aggravated with D.C. United player Luciano Acosta. He decided to take a shot at Berhalter, shoving the sporting director after he picked up a ball that found its way out of bounds.

Following a scoreless second half, free soccer ensued at Audi Field. With each passing moment fans were recalling the feelings of last year’s thriller against Atlanta United.

In the 96th minute, Higuain struck again, heading a ball past Bill Hamid to give the Black & Gold a 2-1 advantage.

Things became nervy for the Black & Gold when Nick DeLeon hammered home an equalizer for D.C. later in the second extra time period. The defender was praised for his playoff heroics in 2012, but had he struck gold again?

The match headed to penalties knotted up at 2-2. Even NBC 4’s Matt Barnes was getting in on the action, and we are pretty sure he has an early wake up call.

Like Barnes, fans wondered if Crew SC could recapture the magic of a year ago.

The festivities began in a positive manner for Columbus supporters. Steffen generated one of the memorable moments of the match turning aside Wayne Rooney’s penalty attempt.

Finally, the hero for the Black and Red, DeLeon, stepped up to take his penalty. Should he convert, the shootout would continue. Miss the chance, and the season is over. With the D.C.’s season on his shoulders, the 29 year old skied his shot over the bar sending Crew SC into the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Crew SC welcome the New York Red Bulls to MAPFRE Stadium on Sunday afternoon. What moments will Twitter be talking about? No doubt we will see another electric playoff atmosphere on the fairground, make sure to post to social media and we might feature it!