In a stunning comeback, Columbus Crew overcame reigning champions Inter Miami with a 3-2 victory in the Leagues Cup, thanks to two second-half goals from Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi on Tuesday.
Rossi’s heroics came in the 69th and 80th minutes, propelling the Crew to a remarkable win over Miami, who currently top the MLS league standings.
The victory sets the stage for Columbus to host New York City FC in the quarter-finals this Saturday.
Messi’s Absence Felt
Inter Miami felt the absence of their star player, Lionel Messi, who has been sidelined with a right ankle injury sustained a month ago during Argentina’s Copa America final victory over Colombia.
The Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi helped Columbus Crew win against Inter Miami. He expressed concern, saying, “If Messi were here, it would have been a different story. We missed our captain today, and it showed.”
Despite Miami’s strong start, with Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas scoring in the 10th minute and compatriot Diego Gomez doubling the lead in the 62nd minute, it was the Crew’s resilience that shone through.
US striker Christian Ramirez ignited the comeback for the Crew, scoring in the 67th minute, setting the stage for Rossi’s winning brace.
New York City’s Dramatic Victory
New York City FC also advanced to the last eight after rallying for a 2-1 win over Tigres. Argentine midfielder Guido Pizarro, Tigres’ captain, opened the scoring with a header in the 18th minute. However, City equalized just two minutes later through Argentine midfielder Maxi Moralez.
Uruguayan Santiago Rodriguez sealed the victory for New York City with a decisive goal in the 65th minute.
Philadelphia Union Triumphs Over Cincinnati
Meanwhile, at Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Union secured a 4-2 win over the hosts, largely due to Tai Baribo’s two goals.
Philadelphia took a 2-0 lead on goals by Danish forward Mikael Uhre in the 51st minute and Israeli striker Baribo in the 61st.
Cincinnati fought back with goals from Czech midfielder Pavel Bucha in the 66th minute and US defender DeAndre Yedlin in the 80th.
However, Philadelphia’s Baribo scored again in the 82nd, and US substitute Quinn Sullivan added another in the 84th, sealing the Union’s victory.
The Union will now host Mazatlan in a home quarter-final on Saturday.
Mazatlan Edges Past Cruz Azul on Penalties
Mazatlan advanced to the quarter-finals after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Cruz Azul in Washington.
Mazatlan initially grabbed a 2-0 lead with goals from Bryan Colula in the 40th minute and Panamanian midfielder Edgar Barcenas in stoppage time.
Despite being reduced to 10 men early in the second half after Argentine defender Gonzalo Piovi’s red card, Cruz Azul fought back. Uriel Antuna scored in the 84th minute, and Colombian defender Willer Ditta equalized in stoppage time.
In the penalty shootout, Antuna, Ditta, and Giorgos Giakoumakis failed to convert, leading to Mazatlan’s 3-1 victory.
Colorado Rapids and LAFC Also Advance
The Colorado Rapids secured a 2-1 home triumph over Toluca, with Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro scoring in the 45th minute and American Darren Yapi netting the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Colorado will face Mexican champions Club America, who defeated St. Louis 4-2. Uruguayan Brian Rodriguez scored a penalty in the 86th minute, and compatriot Rodrigo Auirre added an insurance goal in stoppage time.
In another match, LAFC defeated San Jose 4-1. Uruguayan striker Cristian Olivera opened the scoring for LAFC, with Denis Bouanga converting a penalty and adding another goal, while Poland’s Mateusz Bogusz also found the net.
All-time French goals leader Olivier Giroud made his LAFC debut, entering the match in the 71st minute after his move from AC Milan.
