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Columbus crew makes history, advances to CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals

Posted : 10 April 2024

In a historic victory, Columbus Crew secured their first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal berth by edging past Mexican powerhouse Tigres 4-3 on penalties. Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte emerged as the hero for the Major League Soccer champions, making crucial saves from Andre-Pierre Gignac and Guido Pizarro during the shootout to seal Crew's progression. Despite the aggregate scoreline ending 2-2 after a 1-1 draw in the second leg, Crew's resilience and Schulte's heroics proved decisive in Monterrey.

 

Tigres, seven-time CONCACAF champions, had taken an early lead within three minutes when Gignac capitalized on a defensive error by Schulte to open the scoring. However, Columbus Crew gradually regained composure after the setback and showcased resilience, with Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi equalizing in the 59th minute. Rossi's goal injected renewed belief into the Crew, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout to determine the tie's outcome.

 

In the shootout, Columbus Crew maintained their nerve as Rossi, Jacen Russell-Rowe, and Alexandru Matan all successfully converted their penalties. The winning moment arrived when Max Arfsten calmly slotted home the decisive spot-kick, propelling Crew into the semifinals. This historic triumph sets the stage for a potential all-MLS semifinal, with Columbus awaiting the winner between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Mexico's Monterrey, whose second leg takes place the following day.

 

While Mexican clubs have historically dominated the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Columbus Crew's triumph marks a significant milestone in the competition's narrative. With Costa Rican and United States clubs also making their mark in the tournament's history, Crew's journey underscores the growing competitiveness and diversity within CONCACAF's top regional club competition.

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