América Defeats Columbus Crew to Reach Leagues Cup Semifinals
América beat Columbus Crew 2-0 with goals from Raphael Veiga and Brian Rodríguez. Goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota saved a penalty to preserve the lead. América will face Monterrey in the semifinals.
América struck early when Raphael Veiga curled a shot off the post and into the net in the 11th minute, giving the Mexican side an immediate edge. Columbus pressed back, with Josef Martínez rattling the woodwork and earning a penalty after a handball in the box, but goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota denied Brais Méndez from the spot and later thwarted Martínez again before halftime.
The decisive moment came in first-half stoppage time, when Veiga won the ball in midfield and Brian Rodríguez finished clinically to make it 2-0. América managed the second half comfortably, limiting Columbus's chances while creating a few of their own. The win sets up a semifinal clash with Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup.
This result could reinforce the growing competitive balance between Liga MX and Major League Soccer clubs in regional tournaments, potentially influencing how both leagues approach roster investment and youth development. For fans, a deep run by América may boost engagement and viewership in the U.S. market, while Columbus's exit could prompt reflection on penalty-taking and defensive discipline under pressure. The semifinal against Monterrey may also intensify existing rivalries, drawing broader attention to the tournament's stakes.