Columbus Crew advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals for the first time, defeating the formidable Tigres of Mexico 4-3 on penalties.
The reigning Major League Soccer winners, Columbus Crew, were led by goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who saved penalties from Andre-Pierre Gignac and Guido Pizarro to advance.
Following a 1-1 draw in the second leg, the quarterfinal resulted with a 2-2 aggregate score. After dominating Columbus in the first leg of the match last week but being held to a draw, seven-time CONCACAF champions Tigres appeared ready to simply wrap up Tuesday’s rematch in Monterrey when they seized the lead after only three minutes.
Attempting to control a back pass, Crew custodian Schulte mishandled the ball, allowing Gignac to nick it off his toes and side foot into an empty net.
After the early gaffe, Columbus calmed down and gained confidence bit by bit until Uruguayan striker Diego Rossi stole an equaliser in the 59th minute.