Columbus Crew Make History, Stun Monterrey to Reach CONCACAF Final

In a historic achievement, the Columbus Crew have secured their place in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time in the club’s history. The reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) champions produced a superb performance, stunning Mexican giants Monterrey with a 3-1 away win that sealed a 5-2 aggregate victory.

The Crew’s triumph over Monterrey, a team chasing their sixth CONCACAF Champions Cup crown, is a monumental feat for the MLS side. The Estadio BBVA, with its imposing 53,000-capacity, provided the backdrop for Columbus’ remarkable triumph, a testament to their resilience and determination on the continental stage.

The match got off to a dream start for Monterrey when Columbus defender Yevhen Cheberko inadvertently put the ball into his own net in the 11th minute. Maximiliano Meza’s clever run and lofted finish caught the Crew’s defense off guard, with Cheberko’s desperate attempt to clear the danger resulting in an unfortunate own goal.

With Monterrey leading on away goals, the tie seemed to be slipping away from the MLS champions. However, Columbus demonstrated their fighting spirit and were gifted a lifeline deep into first-half stoppage time courtesy of a howler from Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada.

Andrada’s indecisiveness near the edge of his area proved costly as the alert Aidan Morris intercepted his attempted throw and fired past the stranded goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1 on the night.

The momentum had well and truly shifted in Columbus’ favor, and they capitalized on it early in the second half. Uruguayan striker Diego Rossi put the visitors ahead on 49 minutes with a clinical finish into the bottom corner after being set up by the impressive Alexandru Matan.

With a 2-1 lead on the night and a 4-2 aggregate advantage, Monterrey faced the daunting task of scoring three times to overturn the deficit. Despite their frantic efforts, Columbus’ resolute defense held firm, and substitute Jacen Russell-Rowe applied the coup de grace in the 89th minute, sealing a historic 3-1 victory on the night and a 5-2 aggregate triumph.

Columbus had the opportunity to further extend their lead in stoppage time, but Christian Ramirez’s penalty was saved by the Andrada, who partially redeemed himself.

The Crew’s achievement is all the more remarkable considering they are only the fourth MLS team to reach the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, following in the footsteps of D.C. United (1998), Los Angeles Galaxy (2000), and Seattle Sounders (2022).

In the final, Columbus will face Mexican club Pachuca, with the winner earning a coveted spot in next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams competing in the United States.

As the Crew bask in the glory of their historic triumph, they have not only etched their name in the annals of North American soccer history but have also solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage.