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Sebastian Berhalter scored a late equalizer as the Columbus Crew secured a 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution in a tightly contested MLS clash at Lower.com Field on June 25, 2026, according to ESPN.

The goal, which came in the 82nd minute, extended Columbus’s unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions this season and kept them within three points of the Eastern Conference’s top seed. Berhalter’s strike followed a sequence of quick passes down the right flank, with forward Darlington Nagbe delivering a precise cross that the 31-year-old midfielder converted from close range.

Match Context and Key Moments

The match began with the Revolution dominating possession, particularly in the first half, as their high-pressing style forced Columbus into defensive errors. Goalkeeper Eloy Room was called into action in the 23rd minute when he denied a close-range effort from New England’s Brandon Bye, who had received a through ball from Tajon Buchanan.

The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Revolution midfielder Carles Gil capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting a low shot past Room after a miscommunication between Columbus defenders. The goal sent the home crowd into murmurs of concern, but Columbus responded with increased urgency after halftime.

Coach Caleb Porter made two substitutions at the break, introducing midfielder Darlington Nagbe and forward Darrelle Revis to add creativity in the final third. The changes paid immediate dividends, as Nagbe’s link-up play with Berhalter began to unlock the Revolution’s backline.

Berhalter’s Impact and Career Context

Berhalter, who has been a pivotal figure for Columbus since joining the club in 2020, now leads the team with 12 goals and 10 assists in 28 MLS appearances this season. His equalizer against New England marked his sixth goal of the campaign and extended his streak of scoring in consecutive matches to four games.

The goal also highlighted Berhalter’s versatility, as he has adapted to playing as both a central midfielder and a second striker under Porter’s system. His ability to contribute in the final third has been a key factor in Columbus’s rise to the top of the Eastern Conference, where they currently sit in second place behind the Philadelphia Union.

Revolution head coach Bruce Arena acknowledged Berhalter’s influence post-match, stating, “He’s a top-tier player who can change the game at any moment. We knew we had to contain him, but we didn’t execute defensively in the second half.”

Implications for the Season

The draw keeps Columbus in the playoff picture, with the team now three points behind the Union with six games remaining. The result also underscores the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference, where five teams are within six points of the top spot.

For the Revolution, the point was a missed opportunity to close the gap on the leaders. New England, who had won their previous two matches, now face a critical stretch of fixtures, including a pair of road games against the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, Columbus will aim to build on their strong form as they prepare for a midweek CONCACAF Champions League qualifier against a Mexican club. The team’s ability to maintain consistency in both domestic and continental competitions will be a key factor in their ambitions to secure a first MLS Cup since 2019.

The match also served as a reminder of the physicality and tactical discipline required in MLS. Both teams committed to a high-intensity style, with Columbus recording 14 shots on goal compared to New England’s 10. The game’s outcome reflected the narrow margins that often define playoff races in the league.