Crew dedicate dramatic NYCFC victory to late NHL star Gaudreau

Cucho Hernandez dedicated Columbus Crew’s dramatic last-gasp victory over New York City FC to the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau.

The Crew struck twice in stoppage time to seal a 4-2 triumph and extend their winning streak across all competitions to eight matches.

Despite cancelling out Alonso Martinez’s early strike through Diego Rossi and Maximilian Arfsten, Columbus were pegged back in the 86th minute by Mounsef Bakrar.

However, the hosts were not to be denied at Lower.com Field as DeJuan Jones and Jacen Russell-Rowe snatched victory in stoppage time, while Julian Fernandez was sent off for the visitors.

Striker Hernandez took to X to pay tribute to Gaudreau, who plied his trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, after the seven-time All-Star and his younger brother Matthew were killed in a bicycling accident in Philadelphia on Thursday.

“We would like to dedicate this victory to Johnny and his brother Matthew,” he posted. “Our condolences to his family at this difficult time. May they rest in peace.”

The Crew are back in action next Saturday, when they welcome the Seattle Sounders to Lower.com Field.

We would like to dedicate this victory to Johnny and his brother Matthew. Our condolences to his family at this difficult time. May they rest in peace.

— Juan Camilo Hernández (@CuchoHernandez) September 1, 2024