### Red Bulls Shock Columbus Crew in Stunning MLS Cup Playoff Upset

In one of the most unexpected outcomes of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, the New York Red Bulls pulled off a major upset against the favorited Columbus Crew. This matchup, which many believed to have the least probability of an upset, saw the Red Bulls defy all expectations to advance further in the playoffs.

The Red Bulls came into the game with a dismal form, averaging just 0.67 points per game over their final nine games of the season. This poor performance statistic was only better than the Chicago Fire post-Leagues Cup. From the midway point of the season, their performance did not improve significantly, with the team averaging only 1.06 points per game, the worst among all playoff teams.

Despite these troubling metrics, it had been noted that the Red Bulls' underlying numbers suggested they were better than their record showed. A healthy Emil Forsberg seemed to be the vital spark they needed, though no one expected that this would elevate them to competitive play against a dominant team like Columbus.

The Red Bulls had strong underlying metrics, averaging 1.66 expected points per game after the disastrous Leagues Cup run, outperformed only by Portland, Orlando, and Columbus. Even in the second half of the season, their expected points per game were at 1.64, which was second only to LAFC.

The match itself was electrifying. Columbus seemed set to secure their victory after scoring late to equalize, a moment that felt all too familiar for the Red Bulls, who have had a history of near misses in crucial moments. Yet, when the game came down to a penalty shootout, Red Bulls' goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made three critical saves, leading his team to a dramatic victory.

On the other side, Columbus Crew, despite being one of the most formidable teams in recent MLS history, faced a disappointing end. The team now has to reflect and analyze what went wrong in this playoff bout, especially pondering the futures of key figures like Cucho Hernández and coach Wilfried Nancy, whose potential departures could signal transformative changes for the club.

Meanwhile, other playoff matches showcased their own dramas. In a grueling duel, Seattle and Houston went head to head, with Seattle ultimately advancing on penalties after a game marred by Houston's Héctor Herrera being ejected for spitting toward the referee. Seattle now looks forward to their next challenge against the winner of LAFC-Vancouver.

Vancouver's performance has been nothing short of remarkable, defying expectations and showcasing resilience. Despite LAFC's strong play, the Whitecaps have emerged as a formidable threat, overturning deficits and notching an aggregate score of 8-0 in their recent elimination games. With LAFC not at their peak and Olivier Giroud still searching for his first MLS goal, Vancouver stands poised for another upset.

These stories underline the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the MLS Cup Playoffs, where underdogs like the Red Bulls and Vancouver can rise to the occasion and redefine the season's narrative.