COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Crew won its first international title Wednesday night after beating Cruz Azul 2-0 in the Campeones Cup.

What You Need To Know

  • It's the club's first international win

  • Cruz Azul put up a good fight, holding on to more than 70% of possessions

  • But with a strong start to the game, the Columbus Crew secured the win int he 74th minute

The Campeones Cup is the annual match between the reigning MLS and Liga MX champions. The club is the second MLS team to win the trophy after Atlanta United defeated Club America in 2019.

The Crew had a strong start to the game when Lucas Zelarayan in the fourth minute had a free kick, and Cruz Azul's forward Bryan Angulo headed the ball behind him and past the goal keeper.  

But the game wasn't an easy one; Cruz Azul had most of the posessions for more than 70% of the match, but the Crew had 40 clearances, withstanding 34 crosses. Although Cruz Azul attempted to threaten the Crew's lead, goalkeeper Evan Bush ended the match with three saves.

"A trophy's a trophy. Anytime you can win one, you got to win it," Crew coach Caleb Porter said in a post-game interview. "When you have a chance to knock off a team like that, Liga MX champion last year, it's just a great win. And it'll help us with confidence, belief."

In the 74th minute, the Crew sealed the win. Milton Valenzuela kicked the ball to Jonathan Mensah, who's header from inside the six-yard box secured the second goal of the game. 

The Crew hopes to take that momentum and use it against Philadelphia on Sunday. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related Stories