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Wednesday Ticker: Crew ties Toluca, Jones targeting World Cup, and more

CONCACAF CL

The Columbus Crew looked primed for a blowout loss after falling behind 2-0 to Toluca in CONCACAF Champions League action, but the MLS power climbed off the mat and sent yet another Mexican team away from Crew Stadium without a win.

Missing several key players due to injury and suspension, the Crew didn't look to have the weapons to recover from the early two-goal deficit, but Steven Lenhart stepped up and scored two goals to help Columbus salvage a 2-2 tie in the first-leg of their quarterfinal series.

The Crew will now head to Mexico for next Wednesday's second leg in Toluca needing a win or a draw of 3-3 or more to advance to the Champions League semifinals. Columbus will be attempting to become the first MLS team to win a competitive match in Mexico.

Here are some other stories to get your Wednesday going:

JONES TARGETS WORLD CUP AS PAIN LINGERS

Jermaine Jones is still feeling pain in his surgically-repaired leg, but he revealed that playing in the World Cup in the United States is still a dream he is holding on to.

Jones is currently in Munich, where he is undergoing laser therapy to try and combat the pain he is still feeling in his legs. While Jones admitted uncertainty about whether he would play for Schalke this season, Jones told the Frankfurter Rundschau that is still hoping to play a part in the U.S. national team's World Cup plans.

"The World Cup is my goal. I want to jump on this train," Jones said.

Jones spent time with the U.S. national team last week during its visit to Amsterdam for last Wednesday's 2-1 exhibition loss to the Netherlands. He is still considered a long shot to make the team, having been out of action since undergoing surgery for a hairline fracture in his leg last summer.

ESTUDIANTES HELD IN LIBERTADORES

Defending Copa Libertadores champions Estudiantes failed to find the net in settling for a 0-0 draw against Bolivian side Bolivar in Libertadores group action on Tuesday.

Ecuadorian club Deportivo Cuenca downed Mexican side Morelia, 2-0, while Chilean rivals Universidad Catolica and Universidad de Chile played to a 2-2 tie. Racing club of Uruguay defeated Cerro Porteno, 2-1, in other Libertadores action on Tuesday.

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What did you think of the Crew's performance? Think Columbus can get a result in Mexico? Still holding out hope that Jermaine Jones will get healthy in time to be considered for a World Cup place?

Share your thoughts below.

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