GUADALUPE, Mexico – Columbus Crew earned a 3-1 victory over CF Monterrey to win its 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal series, 5-2 on aggregate, on Wednesday night at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Congratulations to @ColumbusCrew for advancing to the #ConcaChampions FINAL! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/5si8OaE9eI
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) May 2, 2024
Monterrey took the lead in the 11’ on an own goal from Yevhen Cheberko. The play originated from a long pass over the top by Jorge Rodriguez, chipped over the goalkeeper by Maximiliano Meza that rebounded off the crossbar and off the Columbus defender.
Jesus Gallardo nearly extended the lead in the 20’ with a header over the top bar on a cross from Luis Romo.
Aidan Morris equalized in the 45'+4, after intercepting a ball back in play from goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, striking from inside the penalty arc.
Diego Rossi gave Columbus the lead with a left-footed strike in the box in the 49’, connecting on a through ball from second half substitute Alexandru Matan.
Yaw Yeboah provided an important clearance in the 68’ to deny a shot towards goal from Sergio Canales.
Patrick Schulte denied a German Berterame header in the 71’ to keep the visitors up by one. The Crew goalkeeper was present with the safe hands one minute later to deny Brandon Vasquez on a header towards goal.
Monterrey forward Rodrigo Aguirre shot towards goal in the 88’ but was denied by Schulte.
Jacen Russell-Rowe struck outside the right corner of the box in the 89’ to extend the Columbus lead and secure the victory.
Columbus Crew was victorious in its first semifinal appearance and advances to its first Concacaf Champions Cup Final. The defending MLS champions will face five-time winners CF Pachuca at the Estadio Hidalgo in the championship match.
