Columbus Crew 2 used a stoppage time equalizer and a 6-5 shootout victory to defeat ATL UTD 2 on Thursday and now Laurent Courtois’ men will visit NYCFC II on Sunday in another crucial Eastern Conference clash.

Brent Adu-Gyamfi’s 93rd-minute equalizer helped Crew 2 tie ATL UTD 2 late in Thursday’s match before picking up two points in the shootout. Gibran Rayo also found the back of the net for Crew 2, who have claimed five points out of their last possible six available. Rayo has continued to be a key signing from RNY FC and will be among the talented goalscoring options for Courtois’ to rely on.

NYCFC II’s four-match winning run came to an end on Wednesday following a 1-0 road loss to New England Revolution II. Matt Pilkington’s squad were shut out for the first time since May 14 and only the second time all season. NYCFC II lost both of their head-to-head meetings with Crew 2 in 2022 and will be hoping to exact revenge on the defending champions at Belson Stadium. Matthew Myers leads the team with five goals while Jonathan Jimenez and John Denis have six combined tallies.

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