After a gut-wrenching collapse in their Leagues Cup opener against Toluca, the Columbus Crew returned to Lower.com Field with a point to prove—and did just that with a decisive 3-1 victory over Club Puebla. With tournament advancement hanging by a thread, Columbus responded with urgency, precision, and standout performances from both veterans and young talents.
Head coach Wilfried Nancy made it clear that the Crew approached this match not simply with hope, but with a plan. From the opening whistle, Columbus displayed sharpness and energy, capitalizing on key moments to control the game early and command the tempo throughout the first half.
Malte Amundsen, making his first significant appearance since a knee injury on May 31, opened the scoring in the 14th minute. A well-placed free kick by Diego Rossi found Amundsen at the back post, where he nodded it past Puebla’s goalkeeper Jesús Rodríguez. Just two minutes later, Taha Habroune—who would go on to have a breakout performance—sparked a quick counterattack, leading to a deft chipped finish by Rossi to double the lead.
The Crew's third goal was a product of chemistry and control. Habroune once again drove forward, linking with Rossi and Dylan Chambost before threading a ball to Andres Herrera, who slotted home Columbus’s third of the night with a composed finish. For Herrera, it was a return to form after resolving visa and loan issues with parent club River Plate.
“Tonight, the chemistry was real,” Nancy said post-match. “The link between players, the intensity, the calmness at the right moments—it’s what we needed.”
Nineteen-year-old homegrown product Taha Habroune was a revelation. His two assists were not just well-executed, but emblematic of a player reading the game beyond his years. Positioned wide per Nancy’s tactical setup, Habroune repeatedly exploited the gaps left by Puebla’s defensive line.
“They weren’t stepping out, so I just drove with the ball,” Habroune said. “It worked.”
Habroune’s continued rise has added fresh dynamism to Columbus’s attack—particularly important given the rotational changes and tournament fatigue.
After a mixed performance against Toluca, where he scored a penalty but also missed key opportunities including in the shootout, Rossi came back strong against Puebla. His assist and goal served not only as a statistical contribution but as a mental reset.
Nancy praised the forward’s resilience: “He has the best work ethic on the team. That goal didn’t come from luck—it came from intention. He provoked it.”
Rossi now boasts 12 goals in the regular season, plus three in international play, affirming his value as a dependable finisher and creator.
While youth energized the squad, veteran presence stabilized it. Goalkeeper Evan Bush, stepping in for regular starter Patrick Schulte, brought composure in a game where mental focus was paramount. Puebla tested the Crew’s backline with relentless pressure in the second half, but Bush and the defense held firm.
“It wasn’t an easy game,” Bush said. “That team never stopped running, but we stayed locked in. Proud of the group for seeing it through.”
Bush’s start was planned, not reactionary. Despite recent errors by Schulte, Nancy emphasized the need for rotation—a tactic used in last year’s Leagues Cup campaign. Bush, in turn, showed why his experience still has value in big moments.
Not every performance shined, however. Captain Darlington Nagbe had a rare off night, completing just 88% of his passes—well below his usual mark near 95%. He was also the most fouled player on the pitch (five times), struggling to maintain his usual rhythm and composure in midfield. While concerning, it’s unlikely to signal any long-term issues for the typically consistent veteran.
After conceding in first-half stoppage time—a scrappy finish from Esteban Lozano—Columbus shut the door. Despite Puebla’s increased intensity and near-miss midway through the second half, the Crew remained organized and disciplined, absorbing pressure without panic. The second half wasn’t pretty, but it was necessary.
“We took lessons from the last game,” said Bush. “It wasn’t just about physical intensity, but mental focus—and I think we nailed that.”
The Crew’s tournament life hinges on their final group stage matchup against Club León on August 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET. With four points now secured through two matches, advancement is within reach—but goal differential and other group results will play a role.
Regardless of what unfolds, the Puebla performance was a statement: this is a team capable of adapting, learning, and rising to the occasion.
Key Takeaways:
Additional Context:
The Leagues Cup’s group stage format puts a premium on goal differential, making each match result potentially pivotal. With both MLS and Liga MX clubs involved, the competition serves as a barometer for interleague strength—and Columbus’s ability to control a high-paced Liga MX side like Puebla bodes well for their depth and tactical growth under Nancy.
As the tournament continues, the Crew’s mix of youth, resilience, and returning talent may prove to be the X-factor they need to make a deeper run.
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