The Columbus Crew have booked their spot in the Leagues Cup final after defeating the Philadelphia Union 3-1 in the semifinal Wednesday night. With the win, the Crew plays for its second trophy in nine months, and have clinched a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they were bounced in the final of this year’s tournament.

It didn’t take too long for the Crew to get on the scoreboard, when Cucho Hernandez served in a cross towards the center of the penalty area in the 12th minute. The in-swinger found its way to Union goalkeeper Andre Blake who parried the ball away to his left, but only went as far as Diego Rossi who headed home the rebound at the back post.

Philadelphia found the equalizer in the 32nd minute through Daniel Gazdag, who pounced on a misplayed ball by defender Yevhen Cheberko, and slammed it past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. The mistake by the Crew backline saw the Black & Gold concede three goals from errors when playing out of the back.

Just before the halftime whistle, Rossi got his name on the scoresheet again after hitting a lofted ball from Christian Ramirez to get his second goal of the game, and propelling him to the top of the Golden Boot for Leagues Cup.

After the intermission period, both teams came with firepower wanting to extend the lead, or cut the deficit.

A well played attack from the Union saw the visitors nearly level yet again, but was easily claimed by Schulte.

Hernandez joined the goalscoring party in the 54th minute, after the Colombian forward headed a cross from Steven Moreira towards Blake that was saved. However, Hernandez was able to pounce on the loose ball and send it into the top of the net to extend the Crew’s lead to 3-1.

Rossi nearly notched a hattrick in the 68th minute when Hernandez’s shot from distance was slammed into the ground and bounced over the Union backline. Rossi was able to get a jumping header on the end of the shot and put it on frame, but Blake was there to make the jumping save to keep the score 3-1.

The Union had multiple chances towards the end of the match to pull a goal back, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Columbus held on for the win, and will now play for another trophy this coming Sunday.

Concacaf awaits

With the 3-1 win over the Union, the Crew have booked their spot in th 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup for the second year in a row. The Crew made it to the Champions Cup Final, but were defeated by CF Pachuca 3-0.

Diego Rossi continues hot form

Diego Rossi notched a brace in the win over the Union, now making him the leading goal scorer in Leagues Cup with six goals scored. He has scored three in the Club’s four Leagues Cup games, and has a total of 19 goal contributions (9G, 10A) making it his most since 2019.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew will host the Leagues Cup final Sunday, August 25. They will face Los Angeles Football Club with kickoff scheduled for 7:15 PM.