Crew hold nerve in penalty shootout to thwart red-hot D.C. United

Faced with an uncertain future for much of the year, the Columbus Crew found their way out of another tricky situation Thursday at D.C. United.

After a topsy-turvy 120 minutes, the battle-hardened Crew emerged victorious, winning 5-4 on penalties to book a date with the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

It's the second straight season in which Columbus has won a knockout match on spot-kicks, with goalkeeper Zack Steffen producing two massive saves - including an impeccable read on Wayne Rooney - to give his team a chance.

Gregg Berhalter's side wheeled away in celebration once Nick DeLeon, whose rocket of a shot in the 116th minute tied the score at 2-2, skied his attempt.

Federico Higuain, Wil Trapp, and Niko Hansen each scored for the Crew.

They had Higuain to thank for their two earlier goals at Audi Field. The 34-year-old veteran canceled out the host's opener with a scrappy goalmouth finish and broke the deadlock in the 96th minute to give the visitors a temporary lead in extra time.

Facing one of the hottest teams in MLS, Columbus had no easy task in the capital. No side had accrued more wins, goals, or points in the league than D.C. since the start of September.

But the Crew have made a season of beating the odds.

Head coach Berhalter praised his players prior to Thursday's knockout match for "staying focused and battling through adversity" during a year in which it seemed relocation was inevitable. However, with a new investor group promising to keep the Crew in Ohio and a meeting with the Red Bulls on the cards, the tone of the season has changed dramatically.