Castellanos’ stunner lifts NYCFC to 2-2 draw with Crew

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Valentín Castellanos scored the tying goal with a 35-yard shot in the 76th minute and New York City FC held on for a 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew on Saturday night.

NYCFC (4-1-8) extended its unbeaten streak to an MLS-best nine games.

Gyasi Zardes opened the scoring for Columbus (5-9-2) with a penalty kick in the 28th minute. Alexander Callens took down Pedro Santos in the area to concede the penalty.

Héber Araujo dos Santos pounced on a deflection off teammate Maxi Moralez and slotted home the close-range finish to tie it at 1-all for NYCFC in the 57th minute.

Columbus retook the lead four minutes later. Pedro Santos finished David Accam’s cross into the left corner.

Zack Steffen made his final start for Columbus. The 24-year-old, who was last year’s MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, will join the U.S. Men’s National Team for the Gold Cup this summer and then complete the transfer to Manchester City of the English Premier League that was announced last December.

The Crew snapped a three-game losing streak.