New York Red Bulls defender Connor Lade, left, and Columbus Crew midfielder Tony Tchani chase after the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Harrison, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Associated Press
HARRISON, N.J. (AP) - Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the go-ahead goal in the first half and the New York Red Bulls held on to beat the Columbus Crew 2-1 on Saturday night.
The playoff-bound Red Bulls (15-9-6) have a three-point lead over D.C. United in the Eastern Conference with four games to play. Despite consecutive losses, the Crew (13-11-8) clinched a playoff spot with Orlando City beating the Montreal 2-1.
Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark tried to kick the ball to Harrison Afful, but it was intercepted by a charging Connor Lade. Lade then crossed the ball to Wright-Phillips, who scored off a header in the 21st minute for his 15th goal of the season.
The Crew's Justin Meram split five defenders, and floated his shot just off defender Damien Perrinelle's head and through goalkeeper Luis Robles' hands in the eighth minute.
Lloyd Sam tied it 3 minutes later. Sacha Kljestan assisted on the goal.
New York Red Bulls defender Sal Zizzo, left, and Columbus Crew midfielder Mohammed Saeid vie for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Harrison, N.J. The Red Bulls won 2-1. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Associated Press
New York Red Bulls midfielder Gonzalo Veron, left, and Columbus Crew defender Wayon Francis go up for a header during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Harrison, N.J. The Red Bulls won 2-1. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Associated Press
Columbus Crew forward Kei Kamara, left, holds off New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Harrison, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Associated Press
Columbus Crew Justin Meram, left, celebrates with Kei Kamara after Meram scored a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the New York Red Bulls, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Harrison, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Associated Press