The Columbus Crew’s return to CONCACAF action ended in dramatic fashion over a fellow MLS challenger.
Wilfried Nancy’s squad claimed a 1-0 first leg victory on Wednesday over the Houston Dynamo thanks to Alexandru Matan’s 96th minute winner. The Crew return to Lower.com Field for the second leg, which is slated for March 12.
Matan’s right-footed finishinto the bottom-right corner proved to be the difference between the two sides. Aldaberto Carrasquilla tried to get in the way of Matan’s effort, but instead watched the shot deflect off of his leg and into the back of the net.
A busy first half saw Diego Rossi’s early effort repelled by Steve Clark before Jacen Russell-Rowe struck the post not long after.
Both Russell-Rowe and Griffin Dorsey had offensive chances denied as both teams went into halftime goal-less.
Christian Ramirez thought he had propelled Columbus in front after 74 minutes but watched as VAR waived off the goal due to offsides. However, the Crew would receive a winning goal from a fellow substitute as Matan netted his first goal since scoring against Atlanta United in last season’s run to MLS Cup.
The Dynamo have now lost back-to-back games, but will have an extended break until Tuesday’s second leg.
New England Revolution 4, LD Alajuelense 0
The New England Revolution rebounded from their second-straight MLS defeat by strolling past Costa Rican side Alajuelense in CONCACAF Champions Cup action on Wednesday night.
Tomas Chancalay scored twice while Esmir Bajraktarevic and Nick Lima also added goals in a 4-0 first leg triumph in Foxborough. The Revs will make the trip to Costa Rica next week, seeking advancement into the tournament quarterfinals.
Lima broke the deadlock for the Revs in the 28th minute, finishing off DeJuan Jones’ cross into the back of the net. It marked Lima’s first goal for the club following his winter move from Austin FC.
Chancalay extended the Revs’ lead…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/03/champions-cup-rewind-crew-edge-dynamo-revs-roll-past-alajuelense
Author : Larry Henry Jr
Publish date : 2024-03-07 11:50:28
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