Rossi inspires Crew comeback to end Inter Miami´s Leagues Cup defence

The Columbus Crew came from two goals down to put an end to Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup defence, winning 3-2 at the Lower.com Field on Wednesday.

Matias Rojas and Diego Gomez had given the visitors a comfortable lead just beyond the hour-mark, only for Christian Ramirez’s strike to spark an unlikely turnaround.

Diego Rossi netted twice in 11 second half minutes to confirm the win as Wilfried Nancy’s side advanced to the quarter-finals where they will face New York City FC.

Despite still being without Lionel Messi, Miami started brightly and were rewarded for their fast start when Rojas headed past Nicholas Hagen in the 10th minute.

Columbus finished the opening 45 the better side, but found themselves two goals down after the break as Gomez curled home their second following Luis Suarez’s pass.

But Nancy’s side would respond five minutes later as Max Arfsten’s teasing delivery was powerfully headed home by Ramirez inside the penalty area.

The hosts drew level moments later when Cucho Hernandez’s cross to the back post picked out Rossi to finish beyond Drake Callender.

Rossi grabbed his 15th goal of the season 10 minutes from time, finishing from a tight angle following a clever pass by Mohamed Farsi to confirm the triumph.

“Today, even after a defeat, we will continue trying to achieve some title in the local league, which is what remains,” Miami head coach Gerardo Martino said.

“But I cannot accept that all this is measured based on whether you won or lost, I accept it because they are the rules of the game.”

THE COMEBACK CREW #Crew96 | #CLBvMIA pic.twitter.com/x7eSbJCjTr

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 14, 2024

Data Debrief: Rossi brace continues Crew’s sensational home form

Columbus continued their fine home form under Nancy and are now unbeaten in their last seven games on home soil in all competitions (W6 D1).

Rossi was the standout for the Crew, contributing 0.88 expected goals (xG) to Columbus’ 1.79 total at the conclusion of the thrilling encounter.

Miami failed to make their opportunities in front of goal count, only managing three shots on target from the 12 they attempted while also missing five big chances.