Diego Rossi netted two goals in the second half as the Columbus Crew staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup round-of-16 on Tuesday night, August 13.
Christian Ramirez also found the back of the net to ignite the reigning MLS Cup champions’ comeback, completing the turnaround within a span of 14 minutes. The Crew will now face New York City FC in the home quarterfinals on Saturday, as they aim to reach their second major continental final of the year after finishing as runners-up in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in June.
Diego Gomez contributed a goal and an assist for Miami, while Matias Rojas provided an early lead with his fourth goal of the tournament. However, after Gomez doubled the advantage in the 62nd minute, Columbus quickly turned the tide of the match in their favor.
Diego Valdes equalized for the Crew with a headed goal, set up by an excellent cross from substitute Richard Sanchez. Valdes had previously assisted Rodriguez’s first goal in the 15th minute. Rodrigo Aguirre then sealed the victory with a late insurance goal, securing a quarterfinal matchup against the Colorado Rapids for Columbus.
Yappi capitalized on a loose ball from close range, resulting from failed clearance of Djordje Mihailovic’s low cross. This came after Mihailovic’s own goal, which would have been the game-winner, was ruled out by VAR for being offside in the buildup. Rafael Navarro had scored late in the first half for the Rapids.
Quinn Sullivan scored and provided an assist late in the game for the Union, who will now host Mazatlan in their quarterfinal. Mikael Uhre opened the scoring for the Union, while Pavel Bucha and DeAndre Yedlin scored second-half goals for Cincinnati to briefly erase a two-goal deficit.
Uriel Antuna got Cruz Azul on the scoreboard in the 84th minute, and Willer Ditta headed home Andres Montano’s long diagonal free kick in stoppage time of the second half. However, Gutierrez made crucial saves during the shootout, denying both Antuna and Ditta, before Giorgos Giakoumakis hit the post for Cruz Azul, sealing a shootout victory for Mazatlan.
Maxi Moralez contributed a goal and an assist for NYCFC, while Santiago Rodriguez scored the winner in the 65th minute following a turnover caused by Tigres’ attempted quick free kick.
Cristian Olivera scored his fourth goal of the competition, and Mateusz Bogusz added his second for LAFC, who are determined to improve upon their 2023 performance when they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Monterrey. France’s all-time leading scorer, Olivier Giroud, made his LAFC debut in the 71st minute as a replacement for Olivera, and he is expected to see more playing time in LAFC’s quarterfinal clash against Seattle.
Hernan Lopez briefly equalized for San Jose in the 41st minute, but Bouanga converted a penalty just before halftime, securing his first goal of the game.