Columbus Crew to play Red Bulls in first round of MLS Cup Playoffs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Crew's road to a second consecutive MLS Cup title is penciled in as the regular season concluded on Saturday.

Even before the Black & Gold's 3-2 win over New York Red Bulls on MLS Decision Day, the Crew were already locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. After Saturday's results, Columbus learned it will play No. 7 seed -- those same Red Bulls -- in the first-round series.

Last year, MLS expanded the playoff format to include nine teams from each conference.