COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Facing a three-goal deficit on aggregate, the Columbus Crew fell short in their comeback attempt against Los Angeles FC in the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Columbus scored twice in the second leg Tuesday at Lower.com Field but ultimately lost 4-2 on aggregate.
The defeat marks a disappointing early exit from the tournament for the Crew, who reached the final last season. LAFC advances to the quarterfinals and will face either Inter Miami CF or Cavalier FC. Miami leads 2-0 on aggregate, with the second leg set for Thursday in Kingston, Jamaica.
Jacen Russell-Rowe opened the scoring for Columbus in the 10th minute, redirecting a cross from Diego Rossi for his third goal of the season across all competitions.
In the 44th minute, Columbus was awarded a penalty kick after LAFC forward Denis Bouanga committed a foul inside the box. Rossi converted the penalty with a strike to the right side as goalkeeper Hugo Lloris dove left, giving the Crew a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Columbus created several opportunities in the second half, including a stoppage-time shot by Dylan Chambost that was saved by Lloris. Los Angeles secured the victory with a late goal by Bouanga, his third in the series. The Crew outshot LAFC 22-7.
Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, recently called up to the U.S. men’s national team for next week’s Nations League finals, made two saves, while Lloris stopped five shots on goal.
Columbus resumes MLS play on Saturday, traveling to the West Coast to face San Diego FC with kickoff set for 10:30 p.m.
