COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbus Crew won 2-1 against CF Monterrey to start their 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal series on Wednesday night at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
Juan Camilo Hernández at 26 minutes, Jacen Russell-Rowe at minute 72 scored for Columbus Crew, Maximiliano Meza scored Monterrey's goal at 58 minutes.
The defeat ended CF Monterrey's streak of 10 consecutive victories in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte was tested early, making a save in the 6’ to deny Brandon Vazquez.
Diego Rossi had an attempt go just wide of goal in the 17’, after connecting in the box with pass from Juan Camilo Hernandez.
Hernandez had a look on goal from the edge of the penalty arc in the 18’ but Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada diverted the attempt.
Vasquez was denied by the left post in the 21’, striking after an intercepted ball from Sergio Canales.
Juan Camilo Hernandez placed Columbus in the lead in the 26’, helping build up his goal through Jacen Russell-Rowe. The Colombian striker found space behind the Monterrey defense and struck from the edge of the penalty box.
Hernandez had a power hit from distance in the 45’ but Andrada denied the attempt.
On the other end, Shulte denied a Canales header in the box in the 45’+1 to keep Columbus up at halftime.
Maximiliano Meza tied the match in the 58’ with a touch in front of goal to connect with a cross from Jesus Gallardo.
Jacen Russell-Rowe regained the lead for the Crew in the 72’ with a header at the left post to put the finishing touch to a corner kick.
Andrada was pivotal, making back-to-back saves in the 82’, denying Diego Rossi and Juan Camilo Hernandez to keep the score to the minimal difference.
Schulte denied Monterrey substitute German Berterame in the 88’ to keep the lead intact.
CF Monterrey will host Columbus Crew in the second leg next Wednesday at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon Mexico. A draw would be enough for the Crew to advance while Monterrey is forced to win in its quest for its sixth CCC title.
