On a fantastic midweek evening, the Columbus Crew hosted Liga MX side Club America in the 2024 Campeones Cup. Fireworks set off near the Southeast entrance to Lower.com Field, and a cool breeze drifted through the Downtown Columbus air as the Black & Gold looked to lift their third trophy in nine months on home soil.
Club America made their presence known in a stadium notorious for causing problems for the opposition. With an expected goal rating of 0.07, the Liga MX side dictated the match speed, causing problems for the Crew with their passing and communication 33 minutes into the contest. No real threatening opportunities came for the Black & Gold, but the 2021 Campeones Cup winners saw the match’s first yellow card through Sean Zawadzki.
The Crew finally had their best chance off of a corner kick in the 40th minute when Diego Rossi’s set piece found the rising header of Cucho Hernandez, but the attempt was just over the crossbar.
Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte had to make his second save of the game in the 43rd minute. Columbus started an attack toward the Nordecke before the opportunity broke down. Just before halftime, the second-best chance for the Crew came off of the head of Rossi, who had to force Luis Malagon into a diving save to his left side.
The score remained at zero, with Columbus finally starting to get their footing right in the latter stages of the first half.
With Club America no longer pressing Schulte to start the second half, Columbus could play their brand of soccer: maintaining possession and playing short, simple passes. Head coach Wilfried Nancy praised the efforts of the 2023 MLS Cup winners, as they generated opportunities, though nothing converted.
Victor Davila, a second-half substitute for Club America, broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when he converted a shot past Schulte inside the 18-yard box.
Malte Amundsen appeared to have saved the Crew in the 77th minute when he got on the end of a flicked-on header from Christian Ramirez to equalize for the Black & Gold.
Chances rained down for the home side as they pushed to find the game-winner, earning a corner kick in the waning moments of the second half, but the attempt wasn’t enough.
With the score knotted at 1-1, penalty kicks were the deciding factor for the match.
After a pair of goals in the first round, Schulte and Malagon followed up with their own saves to keep the score 1-1 through the first round. Three rounds followed, and both sides scored goals before AZ Jackson had his attempt saved.
Ramon Juarez had the deciding penalty kick, but Schulte stood tall to keep the shootout going.
A goalscorer earlier in the match, Malte Amundsen hit his shot off the crossbar, leaving the door open for Club America to win the match. The miss didn’t come without controversy as Malagon was off his line before the ball was struck, making himself look bigger to the Crew defender. By definition, Amundsen’s chance should have been voided and retaken, but the VAR said “check complete” finding no infraction, and allowed the shootout to carry on. Patrick Schulte even called for a rekick immediately shouting and pointing at the officials from the sideline.
The visitors took advantage of that opportunity, with Nestor Araujo netting the deciding spot kick, though Schulte was able to get a hand on the shot.
Here’s the rule as it applies…
What say you Crew fans?
Flat-footed
The Columbus Crew did not look like the Columbus Crew fans know and love. The team looked flat-footed, making arrant passes and having little to no communication. Club America took full advantage of the fatigued MLS side, bein the more dominant team in the first half.
Malte Amundsen heroics
Though the second half seemed a bit more favored for the Black & Gold, it was Malte Amundsen who became the hero Columbus needed in the 77th minute, equalizing with less than 15 minutes remaining in the match.
What’s next?
The Crew are on the road this Saturday as they travel to Audi Field to take on D.C. United. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
MASSIVE REPORT 