In a thrilling encounter in Guadalupe, Mexico, the Columbus Crew emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Monterrey, sealing a 5-2 aggregate triumph in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. Goals from Aidan Morris and Diego Rossi propelled the reigning MLS Cup champions to the final showdown.
The Crew, showcasing their prowess from the outset, had secured a 2-1 home victory in the first leg on April 24. However, Monterrey quickly leveled the series with an unfortunate own goal from Crew defender Yevhen Cheberko in the 11th minute of the second leg.
Undeterred by Monterrey’s early equalizer, the Crew rallied back just before halftime when Aidan Morris capitalized on a defensive error from Monterrey’s goalkeeper Esteban Andrada. Morris seized the opportunity, slotting home a composed right-footed finish to give Columbus the lead going into the break.
The second half saw Columbus strengthen their grip on the tie, with substitute Alexandru Matan making an immediate impact by setting up Diego Rossi for a crucial goal, extending the Crew’s aggregate advantage with a clinical left-footed strike.
As the match approached its conclusion, Jacen Russell-Rowe put the result beyond doubt with a well-taken counterattack goal in the 89th minute, securing Columbus’ historic berth in the final of the prestigious competition.
Despite Monterrey’s late resistance, including a penalty save from Andrada in stoppage time, the Crew held firm to clinch their maiden final appearance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Their next challenge awaits against Mexican powerhouse Pachuca on June 2, as the Crew aim to etch their name in the annals of CONCACAF history against the five-time champions.
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