The Columbus Crew made history on Wednesday by securing a spot in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time ever, following a stellar 3-1 victory over Mexican powerhouse Monterrey, sealing a 5-2 aggregate triumph.
CONCACAF
Defending a slim 2-1 lead from the first leg in Ohio, the Major League Soccer champions delivered a commanding performance at Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA, with goals from Aidan Morris, Diego Rossi, and Jacen Russell-Rowe.
Monterrey, with aspirations of clinching their sixth CONCACAF Champions Cup crown, got off to a dream start as Columbus defender Yevhen Cheberko inadvertently scored an own goal just 11 minutes into the game. Maximiliano Meza capitalized on a defensive lapse, lofting his shot over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, only for the ball to ricochet off the crossbar and into the net off Cheberko.
Trailing on away goals and with the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate, Monterrey threatened to extend their lead for much of the first half. However, a crucial error from goalkeeper Esteban Andrada gifted Columbus a lifeline just before halftime. Andrada’s indecision led to a costly turnover, allowing Morris to capitalize and equalize for Crew deep into stoppage time.
Columbus seized control of the match early in the second half, with Uruguayan striker Rossi putting them ahead in the 49th minute. A surging run from Alexandru Matan set up Rossi, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, giving Columbus a 2-1 lead on the night and a 4-2 advantage on aggregate.
Despite Monterrey’s desperate attempts to mount a comeback, Columbus remained resolute defensively, ultimately sealing their victory with Russell-Rowe’s goal in the 89th minute. Although Crew had a chance to extend their lead further with a stoppage-time penalty, Andrada denied Christian Ramirez’s attempt to salvage some pride for Monterrey.
With their historic win, Columbus advanced to the final, where they will face Mexican club Pachuca next month. The victor of the tournament will earn a coveted spot at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, set to take place in the United States next year.
Columbus now aims to join the elite ranks of MLS teams crowned champions of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, alongside D.C. United, Los Angeles Galaxy, and Seattle Sounders. Their journey to the top continues as they seek to etch their name in CONCACAF history.
