CLUB AMÉRICA 2-0 COLUMBUS CREW
Aug 26, 2026 • Dignity Health Sports Park
CARSON — Club América delivered when it mattered most, defeating Columbus Crew 2-0 on August 26, 2026, to advance to the Leagues Cup semifinals for the first time in club history. The victory also created a historic semifinal lineup, with four Liga MX clubs—Club América, CF Monterrey, Club León and Toluca FC—all advancing to the final four for the first time in Leagues Cup history.
América struck first in the 11th minute after a quick counterattack. Brian Rodríguez controlled a long ball on the left side before finding Raphael Veiga on the opposite side of the field. Veiga took the opportunity and fired a powerful left-footed strike that hit the far post before finding the back of the net.
Columbus responded quickly and came close to an equalizer. In the 17th minute, César Ruvalcaba received the ball inside the box and fired a powerful effort off the post. One minute later, Brais Méndez created another dangerous opportunity, but América goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota was there to make the save.
Cota then produced the biggest moment of the first half. Columbus was awarded a penalty in the 39th minute following a handball inside the area. Méndez stepped up from the spot, but Cota dove to his left and made the save to preserve América’s lead.
Six minutes into first-half stoppage time, Rodríguez doubled América’s advantage. The Uruguayan collected the ball on the left, dribbled past two defenders and created space at the edge of the box before curling a right-footed effort toward the far post. The shot beat the goalkeeper and gave América a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
Columbus came out of the second half with greater urgency, continuing to control possession and search for a way back into the match. América, however, remained organized defensively and looked dangerous whenever it was able to attack on the counter.
The Crew had another major opportunity in the 54th minute when Josef Martínez broke into the penalty area. With Cota coming off his line, Martínez attempted to lift the ball over the goalkeeper, but the effort went just wide of the post. From there, Columbus continued to push forward but struggled to turn its possession into goals.
The Crew finished with 58 percent possession, 18 shots, 612 passes and 10 corner kicks, but América’s efficiency ultimately made the difference. Las Águilas converted their biggest chances while Columbus failed to capitalize on several opportunities, including the missed penalty and Martínez’s second-half effort.
When the final whistle sounded, Club América had secured a 2-0 victory and a place in the Leagues Cup semifinals. Rodríguez was once again at the center of América’s success, finishing with a goal and an assist. He now leads all players in the tournament with six goal contributions, including three goals and three assists.
For Columbus, the defeat ended its Leagues Cup run and extended its losing streak to four consecutive matches across MLS and Leagues Cup play. For América, the night marked a historic achievement. Las Águilas will face CF Monterrey in the Leagues Cup semifinals, while Columbus Crew will return to MLS action on August 29 against the New England Revolution.
- Joao Portugal
