Targets from forwards Cucho Hernandez and Jacen Russell-Rowe gave the Crew a 2-1 win over CF Monterrey within the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals on Wednesday at Decrease.com Subject. The win broke the Crew’s six-game streak of ending matches in attracts.
Monterrey’s lone objective got here off the foot of ahead Maximiliano Meza.
The Crew have a 2-1 lead on mixture. The Crew will face Monterrey within the second and remaining leg at 10:15 p.m. Might 1 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
Earlier than the second leg, Columbus will host an MLS common season match vs CF Montreal on Saturday.
The Crew had 17,145 individuals come out for his or her CONCACAF Champions Cup match vs CF Monterrey, which betters the attendance from each of their prior Champions Cup matches this 12 months.
(90’+1) Cucho Hernandez fouled, CF Monterrey defender Luis Romo given yellow card
Cucho Hernandez was fouled by Luis Romo close to midfield. Following the hit towards Hernandez, the referee went to a VAR overview to see if there have been any further fouls that wanted to be handed-out however noticed nothing additional.
(90′) 4 minutes of stoppage time added to second half of Columbus Crew-CF Monterrey match
The fourth referee on the sidelines added 4 minutes of stoppage time to the match.
(87′) Alex Matan handed a yellow card, first yellow for Columbus Crew
Three minutes after coming into the match, Alex Matan is hit with a yellow card for poor sportsmanship. Matan delayed the match following an out of bounce name towards Columbus.
(84′) Malte Amundsen, Alex Matan enter match for Columbus Crew
Crew coach Wilfried Nancy made his first substitutions of the match, changing Jacen Russell-Rowe with Alex Matan and Yaw Yeboah with Malte Amundsen.
(73′) Columbus Crew take 2-1 lead, Jacen Russell-Rowe scores career-first Champions Cup objective
The Crew regain the lead towards Monterrey following a objective from Jacen Russell-Rowe off a Columbus nook kick.
Diego Rossi took the nook kick for Columbus from the right-side of the sector following a shot try from Cucho Hernandez that got here near scoring, however was filter out of bounce by Monterrey midfielder Jesus Gallardo.
Sean Zawadzki was the primary Crew participant to seek out the ball off Rossi’s nook and despatched a move off his head within the course of Russell-Rowe. Standing near Monterrey’s objective, Russell-Rowe took a header shot that bounced previous Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada.
(67′) Maximiliano Meza of CF Monterrey handed first yellow card of the match for a foul towards Cucho Hernandez
Close to midfield, Cucho Hernandez suffered a tough hit from Monterrey’s Maximiliano Meza that despatched Hernandez to the bottom and earned Meza a yellow card.
(58′) Maximiliano Meza scores, CF Monterrey-Columbus Crew match tied 1-1
Monterrey ahead Maximiliano Meza was in a position to sneak a objective previous Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who was on the bottom after diving to aim to avoid wasting a shot from Jesus Gallardo.
Gallardo’s shot, that got here from the left aspect of the sector, was too mushy to make it previous the Crew’s objective line, however the ball took a bounce in direction of Meza, who was crashing close to on the precise aspect of the web. Taking management of the ball, Meza was in a position to ship it to the bottom-left nook of Columbus’ objective, night the match 1-1.
(56′) Columbus Crew report zero shot makes an attempt in first 10 minutes of second half
Whereas Monterrey created a number of alternatives close to Columbus’ objective, the Crew have been unable to get any pictures off within the first 10 minutes of play within the second half. Monterrey’s protection has had success maintaining Columbus out of their field popping out of halftime.
(45′) Columbus Crew maintain 1-0 lead at halftime
The objective from striker Cucho Hernandez stands as the one objective within the first half of the match, giving Columbus a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
It’s a rarity for Columbus, however after 45 minutes of play, the Crew is dropping the possession battle. Monterrey managed the ball 54% of the primary half in comparison with the Crew’s 46%.
Monterrey additionally recorded extra pictures than Columbus, with 6 shot makes an attempt in comparison with 4.
(45′) 1 minute of stoppage time added to first half
The referee signaled for 1 minute of stoppage time to be added on the finish of first half regulation.
(36′) Sergio Canales shot try for Monterrey misses far proper
Monterrey midfielder Serigo Canales virtually evened up the rating within the thirty sixth minutes with a mushy shot try from contained in the Crew’s field. The shot was contested by Crew defender Yevhen Cheberko, and would find yourself going far proper, previous the put up and out of bounce.
(26′) Cucho Hernandez scores, Columbus Crew take 1-0 lead over CF Monterrey
Cucho Hernandez scores the primary objective of the match for Columbus Crew with a shot close to the middle of the sector from exterior Monterrey’s field. Jacen Russell-Rowe awarded the help.
After taking management of the ball on Monterrey’s aspect of the sector, Hernandez made a fast move ahead to Russell-Rowe, who dished the ball again to Hernandez whereas he was rushing up-field. Hernandez launched his shot to the left aspect of the web, and regardless of Esteban Andrada diving to aim a save, the ball went proper previous the Monterrey goalkeeper.
(18′) Two shut requires Columbus Crew
The Crew had their first good look of the match inside the across the 18-minute mark, when Cucho Hernandez made a move to Diego Rossi in Monterrey’s field. Rossi, crashing in direction of the objective on the left aspect of the sector, took his shot the second the ball received to his ft, nevertheless it went far left.
Almost a minute later, Hernandez took an try of his of within the middle of Monterrey’s field, however goalkeeper Esteban Andrada was in a position to tip it and ship it out of bounce.
(14′) Monterrey awarded first nook kick of the match
With the primary nook of the match, Monterrey opted for a fast move close to the nook kick flag, making an attempt to arrange a play from exterior Columbus’ field. When Monterrey tried to make a move into Columbus’ field, Jacen Russell-Rowe cleared the ball up subject.
(6′) Patrick Schulte saves Monterrey’s first shot try
Nearing the 6-minute mark, Monterrey’s Brandon Vazquez took his crew’s first shot try of the match in entrance of Columbus’ objective.
Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made a slight soar to his left to report his first save of the match. Yaw Yeboah rapidly cleared the ball out of the Crew’s field and to the sideline.
(1′) Cucho Hernandez data first foul of the match for Columbus Crew
Lower than a minute into the match, Crew striker Cucho Hernandez data a foul close to midfield whereas trying to achieve possession of the ball from Monterrey’s Jorge Rodriguez.
Who’re the officers for the Columbus Crew vs CF Monterrey CONCACAF Champions Cup first leg match?
Listed below are the officers for the Crew-Monterrey match:
- Referee: Oshane Nation
- 1st assistant referee: Caleb Wales
- 2nd assistant referee: Ojay Duhaney
- Referee assessor: Jeffery Solis
- VAR: Daneon Parchment
- AVAR1: Benjamin Whitty
Christian Ramirez out there for Columbus Crew vs CF Monterrey
Crew ahead Christian Ramirez is on the market for Columbus for the primary time since struggling an harm within the match towards Charlotte FC on March 23. Within the first half of the match, Ramirez went down with a thigh harm.
Beginning up coaching with the Crew final week, Ramirez is listed as a bench possibility towards Monterrey.
Who’s beginning for CF Monterrey in CONCACAF Champions Cup match vs Columbus Crew?
Right here is the beginning 11 for Monterrey vs the Crew within the first leg:
- GK: Esteban Andrada
- DF: Gerardo Arteaga
- DF: Hector Moreno
- DF: Luis Romo
- DF: Stefan Medina
- MF: Sergio Canales
- MF: Erick Aguirre
- MF: Jesus Gallardo
- MF: Jorge Rodriguez
- FW: Maximiliano Meza
- FW: Brandon Vazquez
Who’s beginning for Columbus Crew in CONCACAF Champions Cup match vs CF Monterrey?
Right here is the beginning 11 for the Crew vs Monterrey within the first leg:
- GK Patrick Schulte
- DF Rudy Camacho
- DF Yevhen Cheberko
- DF Steven Moreira
- MF Darlington Nagbe
- MF Aidan Morris
- MF Yaw Yeboah
- MF Sean Zawadzki
- FW Cucho Hernandez
- FW Diego Rossi
- FW Jacen Russell-Rowe
Champions Cup: Patrick Schulte describes mentality from Columbus Crew-Tigres PKs
With the 2023 season far from his mind, Schulte told teammate Evan Bush he was going to save three of Tigres’ penalty kicks, setting a target number just like his youth soccer coach did for him years ago. Schulte would finish with two saved penalties, but that’s all the Crew would need to advance to their first Champions Cup semifinals 4-3 in penalty kicks.
“I’ve been there before and I have a bunch of confidence in myself,” Schulte said. “That’s just my mindset going into it was, I knew I was going to stop a couple. … There wasn’t any worry, it was more so just quieting the crowd and celebrating and moving on.”
Read more about Schulte’s mentality during the Crew’s penalty shootout against Tigres in the quarterfinals here.
Did Columbus Crew make any moves before MLS transfer window closed?
The MLS primary transfer window closed on Tuesday, and the second transfer window does not open until July 18.
Since the start of the MLS regular season, the Crew have only made one move. On Friday, Columbus announced a trade with Real Salt Lake. Sending defender Philip Quinton to Salt Lake, the Crew will receive up to $200,000 in general allocation money, with $150,000 guaranteed and the other $50,000 based on if performance incentives are met.
When is the Columbus Crew vs CF Monterrey CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals match?
The first leg of the semifinals series between Columbus Crew vs CF Monterrey will take place at Lower.com Field at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday.
The second leg will take place at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey at 10:15 p.m. May 1.
Columbus Crew injuries: Who is unavailable for Columbus Crew vs CF Monterrey?
The Crew’s injury report is currently “to be determined.” Here’s who is projected to be unavailable or questionable:
- Christian Ramirez (thigh injury)
- Evan Bush (arm injury)
Who leads scoring in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for Columbus Crew and CF Monterrey?
Diego Rossi has recorded the most goals for the Crew in Champions Cup with two goals in two series.
Bradon Vazquez, who played for CF Cincinnati before signing with Monterrey following the 2023 MLS season, leads his team in goals with four across three series.
Columbus Crew vs CF Monterrey CONCACAF Champions Cup match TV, streaming information
The match will be on FS1. Streaming is available via the Fox Sports app. The Spanish broadcast will be on ViX.
How to listen to Columbus Crew vs CF Monterrey CONCACAF Champions Cup match radio broadcast
The broadcast of the match will be available on 105.7 FM with Chris Doran on the radio call. The Spanish radio broadcast will be available via 102.5 FM La Grande.
Columbus Crew vs CF Monterrey past meetings
The Crew have faced Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup once, back in 2021. Darlington Nagbe, Alex Matan and Evan Bush were the only active Columbus players from that series still with the team. Aidan Morris was with the team, but was out with a season-ending ACL injury.
In the series, Monterrey and Columbus walked away from the first leg at the Historic Crew Stadium tied 2-2. Once the teams met in Monterrey for the second leg, the home team scored 3 goals compared to the Crew’s none to knock them out of the tournament.
How did Columbus Crew make it to the semifinals?
After receiving a bye into the Round of 16 due to being MLS Cup champions, the Crew started their CONCACAF Champions Cup journey against Houston Dynamo.
With the first leg taking place on the road March 6, Columbus took a 1-0 aggerate goal advantage when forward Alex Matan scored a last-second goal toward the end of the match. Matan has been sidelined with a thigh injury since that game.
The Crew returned to Lower.com Field on March 12 for the second leg and took an early 1-0 lead over Houston in their second leg match off a Hernandez goal. Holding onto the lead for most of the match, Columbus would allow the Dynamo to score a penalty kick goal to tie the match 1-1, but still advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 on aggregate.
In the first leg of the semifinals, the Crew faced off against Tigres at Lower.com Field on April 3, but before the match could kickoff, the teams had to wait out a two-hour rain delay. Without star striker Cucho Hernandez for the second match in a row, the Crew relied on attacker Diego Rossi to lead Columbus to a 1-1 tie with his first goal of 2024.
At Estadio Universitario in Mexico for the second leg on April 9, the Crew had to score at least one goal to avoid elimination. It was Rossi once again who scored for Columbus, but with striker Andre-Pierre Gignac scoring for Tigres with his second goal of the series as well, the teams finished regulation tied 1-1.
Since the normal tie breaker of road goals was also deadlocked at 1-1, the second leg went into two 15-minute extra time periods. After 120 overall minutes of play and the series still tied 2-2 on aggregate, Columbus and Tigres were forced to go to a penalty shootout.
Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte saved Tigres’ first two penalty kicks, and with every player besides Hernandez hitting their attempts for Columbus, the club advanced to its first Champions Cup semifinals. The Crew also made tournament history by becoming the first MLS team to defeat a Liga MX team after failing to win its home leg.
How did CF Monterrey make it to the quarterfinals?
Monterrey started Champions Cup play on a tear, defeating the Comunicaciones of Guatemala 7-1 on aggregate in the opening round.
In the round of 16, Monterrey was faced with the challenge of defeating the Crew’s Hell is Real rival, FC Cincinnati. After holding Cincinnati scoreless in an 1-0 first leg victory at TQL Stadium, Monterrey was led to a second leg 2-1 victory by former Cincinnati forward Brandon Vazquez to advance to the quarterfinals against Inter Miami.
Despite Miami’s star forward Lionel Messi returning to action in the second leg following a hamstring injury that sidelined him for nearly a month, Monterrey defeated Miami in both legs, finishing with an 5-2 aggregate.
Columbus Crew in past CONCACAF Champions Cup tournaments
- 2003: Lost to Atletico Morelia 6-2 aggregate in the quarterfinals
- 2010: Lost to Toluca Futbol Club 5-4 aggregate in the quarterfinals
- 2011: Lost to Real Salt Lake 4-1 aggregate in the quarterfinals
- 2021: Lost to CF Monterrey 5-2 aggregate in the quarterfinals
What is CONCACAF Champions Cup?
Champions Cup is an annual competition run by CONCACAF, the regional governing body in soccer for North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The tournament includes 27 teams from 10 countries.
Each round, up until the final, will include two legs (two games) and the winner will be determined by the aggregate score (the combined number of goals scored by the two teams).
The final will consist of one match, with the winner qualifying for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.