The Columbus Crew prompted an impeccable comeback in the Round of 16 in Leagues Cup this past Tuesday, escaping Inter Miami by a 3-2 scoreline to book their spot in the quarterfinals against New York City FC. The visitors found themselves against the reigning MLS Cup champions after taking down Tigres UANL that same night.

After meeting earlier in the year in MLS play with Columbus coming out on top, head coach Nick Cushing has the blue side of New York playing well.

It took all but 16 seconds for the visitors to pull out in front, after defender Rudy Camacho was dispossesed by Adrian Martinez who calmly placed his shot past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. The goal was the fastest goal in Leagues Cup history.

Columbus looked for an answer in the sixth minute of play, when Max Arfsten found Cucho Hernandez with his pass into the 18-yard box, but the Colombian forward put his shot just wide of the frame and out for a goalkick.

Hernandez had another chance at leveling the match in the 39th minute, but his shot was easily saved by New York goalkeeper Matt Freese. Just two minutes later, Hernandez found the goal he was itching to get.

Arfsten placed a well hit cross towards the center of the penalty box that found Hernandez, who headed it home to draw Columbus level 1-1.

Columbus carried the momentum into the halftime break, looking to keep it on their side for the second half.

The Crew picked up right where they left off in the first half, generating multiple chances to start the second half. In the 50th minute, Diego Rossi had an opportunity to put the Crew up but his attempt was sent high over the crossbar.

Just minutes later, Arfsten had his shot saved by Freese, but was called for being in an offside position. Two minutes later, Arfsten found the back of the net after dribbling around Freese, but was again called for offside.

Both teams couldn’t find the back the net the majority of the second half, with the best chance for Columbus coming from Rossi early on, but his shot was saved by Freese.

With no goals scored in the second half, the game ended with penalty kicks.

Patrick Schulte was called into action three kicks in to save Maxi Moralez. Cucho helped Columbus stay in the shootout with a panenka goal down the middle, before Santiago Rodriguez put his attempt high over the net.

DeJuan Jones got the game-winning goal to lift Columbus to the semi-finals, defeating NYCFC 1(4)-1(3) on penalty kicks.

Penalty kicks in favor of Columbus

Last year, the Columbus Crew were eliminated by Minnesota United in penalty kicks in the Round of 32. This year, the Crew were victorious in spot kicks, booking their spot in semifinals.

DeJuan Jones makes an impact

After debuting for the Crew against Sporting Kansas City and notching the fastest Crew debut goal, DeJuan Jones sealed the victory for the Crew in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the semifinals for the first time in Club history.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew will host their semifinal matchup on Wednesday, facing either Mazatlan from Liga MX or the Philadephia Union. Kickoff is TBD. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.