Diego Rossi’s double secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback win for Columbus Crew over Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup Round of 16, played at Lower.com Field.
Inter Miami started the match in commanding fashion, finding the net within the first 10 minutes.
The goal came after Columbus defender Steven Moreira made a misjudged touch, allowing Diego Gomez to capitalize and sprint down the byline near the Crew’s goal.
The Paraguay international showed great awareness, lifting his head to spot Matias Rojas, unmarked, inside the penalty box.
Rojas connected with Gomez’s lofted cross, expertly heading the ball into the net for his fourth goal of the 2024 Leagues Cup.
This early strike gave Miami a 1-0 advantage on the road in this crucial Round of 16 clash.
Despite trailing, Columbus Crew kept pressing, generating several half-chances throughout the remainder of the first half and the initial stages of the second.
However, it was the visitors who extended their lead in the 62nd minute. Luis Suarez, showing his class, found Gomez in acres of space on the left.
The Uruguayan legend played a perfectly weighted pass into Gomez’s path, who in turn set Suarez up at the edge of the penalty area.
The two combined beautifully, with Gomez finishing the move with a composed strike past Columbus goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.
Now down 2-0 with around 30 minutes left, the Crew refused to capitulate.
They clawed their way back into the contest when substitute Christian Ramirez nodded in a close-range header from Max Arfsten’s inviting cross.
This goal, a testament to Ramirez’s predatory instincts, reduced the deficit and breathed new life into Columbus’ comeback hopes.
Just minutes later, the match took another dramatic turn as the Crew leveled the score. Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, with a precise delivery, found Diego Rossi lurking at the back post.
Rossi made no mistake, slotting in a simple tap-in to bring the scoreline to 2-2 in the 69th minute.
Columbus completed their remarkable turnaround just before the final 10 minutes of regular time.
Substitute Mohamed Farsi threaded a pass to Rossi, who was one step ahead of Jordi Alba.
The dynamic Rossi coolly chipped the ball over Miami’s goalkeeper Drake Callender, sending the home crowd into raptures as Columbus overturned a two-goal deficit to advance to the Leagues Cup Quarter-finals.
For Inter Miami, the result was a bitter disappointment, as they squandered a two-goal lead in the second half.
The Herons were unable to defend their Leagues Cup title in the absence of the legendary Lionel Messi.
Meanwhile, Columbus, under the guidance of coach Wilfried Nancy, continued their pursuit of another piece of silverware, with dreams of glory still very much alive.
