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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.
CLE is in the house for the Black&Gold! #SaveTheCrew @TheCrewland #CrewSC pic.twitter.com/csBjIrTMTW
— Stephen (@sthorski) November 2, 2018
Viewing party is rocking out @fadocolumbus tonight. #CrewSC #ClaimGlory pic.twitter.com/xqJwjx4RGu
— JP Lococo (@jp_lococo) November 2, 2018
While fans back home got settled in, the game kicked off in front of a raucous, sellout crowd at Audi Field.
And they’re off. Game 35. #CrewSC pic.twitter.com/EBl1V6fJnD
— Andrew Erickson (@AEricksonCD) November 2, 2018
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.
#DCU go up 1-0 in the 21st minute. Steffen tried to grab a ball but couldn't hang onto it. Brilliant score right in front of the goal. #CrewSC
— Wall to Wall Sports (@W2WSports) November 2, 2018
#DCU open the scoring at Audi Field! Awful mistake by Zack Steffen, spilling Acosta's cross right to Frederic Brillant for an easy tap-in.#DCvCLB #CrewSC #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/iEQb7kBmoA
— #ThankYouDeuce (@JogaBonito_USA) November 2, 2018
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.
PIPAAAAAAAAAAA!#CrewSC | #ClaimGlory | #DCvCLB | 1-1 pic.twitter.com/HTmnMTm9fI
— Columbus Crew SC #ClaimGlory (@ColumbusCrewSC) November 2, 2018
Reaction to the #CrewSC goal at Endeavor! Let’s go!!! #ClaimGlory pic.twitter.com/Vuh7p34nhd
— Josh Poland (@JoshPolandTV) November 2, 2018
WE ALL CHEER FOR THE OLDER HIGUAIN, THE OLDER HIGUAIN! #CrewSC #DCvCLB
— Michael Jager (@CCSCsupporter) November 2, 2018
After hearing me scream at the tv, my 2 year old just said Pipa for the first time #DCvCLB #CrewSC pic.twitter.com/xSkYfir2i4
— Danielle Scott (@daniellemjscott) November 2, 2018
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.
GB gives his thoughts following a 1-1 first half #CrewSC | #DCvCLB | #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/1ir0fdcrrX
— Columbus Crew SC #ClaimGlory (@ColumbusCrewSC) November 2, 2018
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.
Bit of contentious friction between the teams, after Acosta and Berhalter got into it on the sideline while going for a loose ball.#DCvCLB #DCU #CrewSC #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/9NHrW9xbEU
— #ThankYouDeuce (@JogaBonito_USA) November 2, 2018
Do. Not. Touch. Berhalter!!!#CrewSC #DCvCLB
— Cait Zimmerman (@CaitZimm2014) November 2, 2018
Acosta shoves a coach...... What class...... #CrewSC #DCvCLB
— Trent May (@trentemay) November 2, 2018
Wooooowww!!! #CrewSC https://t.co/pTuHCMjiqT
— Ed T. (@CrewGuyEd) November 2, 2018
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.
Of course it's going to extra time. Come on #CrewSC!
— Isaac Oyer (@isaacisaginger) November 2, 2018
For the second straight year, #CrewSC are going to extra time in a knockout playoff game on the road.
— Matt Bernhardt (@bernhardtsoccer) November 2, 2018
In the 96th minute, Higuain struck again, heading a ball past Bill Hamid to give the Black & Gold a 2-1 advantage.
I turn on the Crew game just now. I guess I'm a good luck charm.
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) November 2, 2018
PIPAAAAAAAAA #CrewSC
— Brooks Hooley (@bRollSlinger) November 2, 2018
Oh, my, Pipa.
— Michael Arace (@MichaelArace1) November 2, 2018
With the back of the golden dome.
It's 2-1. #CrewSC
Please hold it for 25 more minutes! #CrewSC #BonusFooty
— Tana Weingartner (@TanaWeingartner) November 2, 2018
PIPA x2!!!! #CrewSC #ClaimGlory pic.twitter.com/naIB9PXycg
— Adam Kaverman (@FearTheNut11) November 2, 2018
We took the lead!!! #CrewSC #ClaimGlory #DCvCLB pic.twitter.com/CqxxngnEwp
— Josh Poland (@JoshPolandTV) November 2, 2018
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.
And it comes down to penalty kicks. Not getting a lot of sleep tonight #CrewSC
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_NBC4) November 2, 2018
Like Barnes, fans wondered if Crew SC could recapture the magic of a year ago.
#crewsc #crew96 pic.twitter.com/RvJcaWAxWz
— J Michael (@JessePorter11) November 2, 2018
My heart cannot take PKs. Someone pick me up off the floor when it’s over. #CrewSC
— Ciara Farnsworth (@ciarafarnsworth) November 2, 2018
Second year in a row #CrewSC goes to a shootout in the knockout round... idk if I can handle this! #dejavu
— Marisa Contipelli (@marisarae19) November 2, 2018
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.
STEFFEN SAVED ROONEY'S PENALTY!!!
— #ThankYouDeuce (@JogaBonito_USA) November 2, 2018
(England players and penalties..... )#DCvCLB #DCU #CrewSC #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/mHJTVxj3Q3
Wayne Rooney rejected! #CrewSC
— Zach (@RadioUZach) November 2, 2018
COLUMBUS! #CrewSC
— Rob Mixer (@RobMixer) November 2, 2018
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.
UNREAL! 2nd straight year #CrewSC wins in a shootout...
— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) November 2, 2018
#MLSCupPlayoffs #CrewSC pic.twitter.com/wuDKCu9bJz
— Jacob Adkins (@xRazorsEdgex) November 2, 2018
WOWOWOWOWOW #CREWSC WINS!!! #ClaimGlory #MLSPlayoffs #DCvCLB pic.twitter.com/jBo2Zn9a7A
— City of Columbus (@ColumbusGov) November 2, 2018
Congrats @MassiveReport go get the trophy and smash it over Precourt’s head
— Ryan Keefer (@reefa_k) November 2, 2018
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!