Reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew advanced to the Leagues Cup semifinals on Saturday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over New York City after the match had ended 1-1.

After just 14 seconds of play, the guests from New York took the lead when Alonso Martinez took the ball from Crew defender Rudy Carmacho, stormed into the penalty area and shot the ball into the goal.

Striker Cucho Hernandez had a great chance to equalise the game, but his shot from inside the box went wide and the Colombian forced Matt Freese into a brilliant save.

But four minutes before halftime, Columbus, which had eliminated cup winners Inter Miami in the previous round, equalized.

Max Arften delivered a sharp cross from the right and Hernandez headed the ball into the bottom corner with a perfectly angled header.

There were few chances in the second half and despite strong pressure from Columbus in the closing stages, the game went to penalties.

Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte saved against Maxi Morales, but then Diego Rossi’s attempt was blocked by City’s Freese.

After New York’s Santiago Rodriguez missed his shot high and wide, it was left to DeJuan Jones to secure the win with a cool penalty kick.

Columbus will host the winner of a later game between Philadelphia Union and Mazatlan of Mexico.

The other quarterfinals will see Seattle Sounders face Los Angeles FC and Liga MX giants Club America face Colorado Rapids.

sev/js

© Agence France-Presse

FOX28 Spokane©