Columbus Crew Reach CONCACAF Champions Cup Final with Historic Away Win
Columbus Crew’s historic run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup continued on Wednesday as they secured a spot in the final for the first time ever. After a 2-1 victory in the first leg at home, the Crew traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, and emerged with a stunning 3-1 triumph, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory.
Monterrey, seeking their sixth Champions Cup title, started brightly and took the lead through an own goal by Columbus defender Yevhen Cheberko. However, the Crew refused to be disheartened and equalized in dramatic fashion just before halftime. Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada’s poor clearance was intercepted by Aidan Morris, who slotted home to level the scores.
After the break, Columbus took control of the game. Diego Rossi fired them into the lead with a clinical finish, and the Crew held firm despite Monterrey’s desperate attempts to equalize. Substitute Jacen Russell-Rowe put the icing on the cake in the 89th minute, securing a memorable victory for the MLS champions.
Columbus’s victory marks a significant milestone for the club and the MLS as a whole. They are now just one step away from becoming the fourth MLS team to be crowned champions of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Crew will face Mexican club Pachuca in the final, with the winner earning a place at next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
