LAFC Advances to Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals Despite Crew’s Fierce Fightback

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) secured its third-ever berth in the Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals on Tuesday night with a dramatic aggregate victory over Columbus Crew. The Black & Gold entered the second leg at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first match but found themselves in a tense battle before sealing the tie with a 4-2 aggregate score.

Crew’s Brave Effort Falls Short

Columbus Crew needed a near-miraculous performance to overturn their three-goal deficit, and for much of the match, they delivered exactly that. Wilfried Nancy’s squad came out aggressively, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities in front of their home fans. Their attacking intent bore fruit early when Diego Rossi sent a pinpoint cross into the box, finding Jacen Russell-Rowe, who volleyed home in the 10th minute to ignite the stadium.

As the Crew pressed relentlessly, they found their second goal just before halftime. A foul inside the box by LAFC defender Eddie Segura resulted in a penalty, which Rossi confidently dispatched past veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. At 2-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate, the Crew had momentum and belief heading into the second half.

Lloris Stands Tall as LAFC Absorbs Pressure

With their lead now precarious, LAFC was forced into a defensive stance for much of the second half. Columbus continued to push for the all-important third goal, nearly finding it in the 66th minute when Max Arfsten’s powerful shot was parried away by Lloris in a stunning one-handed save. The French World Cup winner was instrumental in keeping LAFC afloat, making five crucial saves on the night and facing a total of 22 shots.

Nancy’s side dictated much of the game but struggled to break through LAFC’s resolute low block. Russell-Rowe had another golden opportunity in the 35th minute, but his shot flew over the bar. Dylan Chambost also tested Lloris late in the game with a curling free kick, but the veteran goalkeeper once again rose to the occasion.

Bouanga’s Last-Second Strike Seals LAFC’s Qualification

As the match edged toward stoppage time, Columbus threw everything forward in search of the equalizer. However, their attacking commitment left them exposed at the back, and LAFC capitalized in the dying moments. Making his debut for the club, Turkish winger Cengiz Ünder won possession near midfield and led a swift counterattack. Bearing down on goal, he unselfishly squared the ball to Denis Bouanga, who calmly slotted it past Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte in the 96th minute.

The goal crushed Columbus’ hopes of a comeback and confirmed LAFC’s passage to the quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate win. Bouanga, who had tormented Crew defenders in the first leg, once again played the role of executioner, ensuring LAFC’s dream of continental glory remained alive.

A Learning Experience for Columbus

Despite their elimination, the Crew’s performance on the night was arguably their best of the season. They showcased resilience, attacking fluidity, and an ability to dictate play against a top-tier opponent. Speaking after the match, Nancy emphasized the importance of maintaining the right mentality in high-pressure situations.

“I don’t talk about the fact that we were behind 3-0 because we know that, so this is useless for me to talk about. What we want to do is be ourselves,” Nancy said. “When you think too much about the outcome, you will not play in the present. And for me, playing present, you control what you can control. So forget about the outcome and be good on your performance on the task, and this is what they did.”

Chambost echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s ability to set the tone early with Russell-Rowe’s opening goal. “That was the objective before the game. We wanted to score quickly, and we did it. Of course, this goal gave us confidence, and we continued to push forward.”

Russell-Rowe, who led the Crew’s offensive efforts, acknowledged the difficulties of breaking down a disciplined LAFC defense. “When teams are low and all they’re trying to do is defend, it’s difficult,” he said. “You’re just looking to get the ball in the box, and I was just trying to find spaces off the shoulders, quick little movements.”

What’s Next?

With their Champions Cup journey now over, Columbus will shift their focus back to MLS play as they prepare for a matchup against expansion side San Diego FC on March 15th. Despite the disappointment of elimination, their performance against LAFC will serve as a confidence booster as they look to build momentum in the league.

As for LAFC, they advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Inter Miami CF vs. Cavalier FC matchup. With their defensive resilience and lethal counterattacks proving decisive, the Black & Gold remain one of the strongest contenders for this year’s Concacaf Champions Cup crown.

Their next challenge in MLS will see them return to BMO Stadium to host Austin FC on March 15th. With their Champions Cup aspirations intact, LAFC will look to carry their momentum forward as they continue to chase silverware on multiple fronts.