In a thrilling and closely contested affair, FC Cincinnati edged out the New York Red Bulls 8-7 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their MLS Eastern Conference first-round playoff matchup.

After a 3-0 defeat in the opening game, the Red Bulls were determined to overturn the deficit and force a deciding match. Their resilience paid off as Tom Barlow broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, giving the hosts a narrow halftime lead.

Cincinnati, the top seed in the Eastern Conference and winner of the Supporters’ Shield, responded in the second half. Aaron Boupendza, with a pass from Luciano Acosta in the 75th minute, levelled the score and sent the match into extra time.

The tension heightened in the dying embers of the game when VAR controversially disallowed Acosta’s goal in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time. With the scores tied at 1-1 after extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout.

In the ensuing drama, both teams missed crucial penalties, with John Tolkin, Serge Ngoma, and Andrés Reyes failing to convert for the Red Bulls. Santiago Arias and Yerson Mosquera missed for Cincinnati, but the visitors persevered to emerge victorious.

“This group had a choice to make,” reflected Red Bulls head coach Troy Lesesne after the loss. “They had a choice when our situation was the worst in the league. We were at the bottom of the table, and the players had a choice to make; we could stay in that position, or we could fight. And every single step from May 8 until where we are today, even towards the end of that game and penalties, there is no quit in this group. And that is something you have to respect.”

Cincinnati’s victory marks their first-ever MLS playoff win and sends them to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, where they will face either the Philadelphia Union or New England Revolution. The Red Bulls, on the other hand, are left to rue their missed opportunities and reflect on a disappointing end to their season.