Columbus Crew Stun CF Monterrey 3-1 To Reach Maiden CONCACAF Champions Cup Final
Written by Patrick Echatah
Columbus Crew defeated CF Monterrey 3-1 in Leg 2 of their semifinal series at Estadio BBVA on Wednesday night, securing their place in the final 5-2 on aggregate. With one game remaining, they can become the second-ever MLS team to win the Concacaf Champions Cup.
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In the June final, Columbus—who defeated Pachuca 2-1 in the first leg at Lower.com Field last week—will play Pachuca. Prize money, regional bragging rights, and spots in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup are all up for grabs.
The Crew may become the second MLS team to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Yevhen Cheberko’s own goal in the 11th minute gave Monterrey the lead after Maxi Meza’s chip over charging Crew goalie Patrick Schulte ricocheted off the crossbar and in off the Ukrainian defender.
However, Columbus tied the score at the end of the first half when Aidan Morris (45+4′) scored the first of the Crew’s three away goals after intercepting a restart from Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada.
Four minutes into the second half, Diego Rossi gave the Crew the lead for the evening and the match (4–2 on aggregate) with a neat finish after being let in by Alex Matan, a second-half substitution.
Monterrey proceeded into offensive mode, but the Crew managed to win the match because Schulte held up well under pressure. Subsequently, Jacen Russell-Rowe (89′) completed the victory, advancing the 2023 MLS Cup winners to their maiden CCC final.
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Meanwhile…
Brazilian winger Célio Pompeu has signed a new deal with St. Louis CITY SC, the team announced on Friday
With a club option for 2027, the 24-year-old Brazilian is now signed through the 2026 MLS season.
“We are proud to see Célio’s growth through our pipeline”, sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel said in a press release. “He has grown as a professional, both on and off the field, and to reap the rewards with a new contract was something he worked really hard for. Celio continues to elevate his game each and every day and we hope that he doesn’t stop raising the bar.”
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