The Columbus Crew marched on in their Leagues Cup 2024 campaign with a commanding 3-1 result over the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday at Lower.com Field in Columbus. The win not only sent them to the final but also ensured their qualification for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The hero of the night was Diego Rossi, who would record a brace in the first half to put the Crew ahead. Those goals were vital, putting the Crew in front early and then restoring the lead after Philadelphia briefly equalized. That sealed the game and added flair to the Crew’s performance.
Early Running for Columbus
The game started with the initiative taken by Columbus. It was in the 12th minute when Diego Rossi scored the first goal with a beautiful diving head. Andre Blake of Philadelphia bailed from Cucho Hernandez’s shot, and Rossi didn’t think twice to finish off the rebound for a lead that moved the Crew to a good start. The early goal by Rossi set the tone for the evening.
Philadelphia was able to level, however, when Daniel Gazdag found the back of the net. Minutes before Rossi’s second goal, Gazdag took advantage of a defensive error on Columbus’ part. He collected a loose ball efficiently and then passed the remaining defenders to make his way to the goal and tuck that ball inside the net. It became a moment of hope for the Union to build on further from that moment.
Rossi Restores Columbus’s Lead
But Rossi wasn’t done. In the 43rd, he tallied another, finishing with power this time after a deft lay from Christian Ramirez. Columbus Crew was back on top, and the goal further deflated the efforts of Philadelphia to gain control of the play. In the 53rd minute, Columbus was knocking at the door again. The Crew’s third goal came off a tidy rebound finish from Cucho Hernandez. Blake had saved an earlier Hernandez header.
Ahead of the final will be a test for the Columbus Crew, as LAFC will be on the road on August 25. This would be the rematch of the MLS Cup, and fans want another epic match between the two. Rossi’s second goal was his standout moment from the match. That goal, at the time when Philadelphia had a short resurgence, had proved critical because it kept the Crew in control. That moment earned him the man-of-the-match title, having been the outstanding player through a crucial game.
Columbus Takes a Boost
This has to fill the Crew with much more confidence heading for the final. Their home advantage this week and the form of Rossi and Hernandez put the team in the best possible position to win the League Cup. Fans of Columbus Crew will now be hoping for another rock-star performance and a shot to celebrate yet another major achievement.
All in all, Columbus Crew truly got that win by quality and grit over the Philadelphia Union, and as they prepare for the final, no doubt they will be yet another team to watch, ready at any moment to make their mark on the league cup and continue their fine season.
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