The Columbus Crew had plenty to do for a spot in the Concacaf Champions League semifinals on Wednesday night, but fell down early and never recovered on the road at Monterrey.
Maximiliano Meza scored twice while Miguel Layun added a third goal from a fantastic free kick finish as the Liga MX side won the second leg tie 3-0. The Crew struggled to get much going on the road at Estadio BBVA, recording only one shot in the 90-minute performance.
Monterrey struck early in the third minute, with Meza slotting home his first goal of the night from close range. His right-footed shot beat Eloy Room into the bottom corner for a 1-0 Royados advantage.
⚽️ ¡Gol de @Rayados! 🔵⚪️
Meza anota el primer gol del partido | #SCCL21 pic.twitter.com/vr8ufWuxmo
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) May 6, 2021
The Mexican side continued to put their foot on the gas and eventually broke through with a second goal of the opening half. Meza’s right-footed shot off a Vincent Janssen set up, left Room picking up the ball out of his own net again.
⚽️ ¡Gol de @Rayados!
🔵⚪️ Maximiliano Meza anota por segunda ocasión y ahora Monterrey gana 2-0 a @ColumbusCrewSC. | #SCCL21 pic.twitter.com/tJ10USTtZV
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) May 6, 2021
Artur’s long-range strike in the 34th minute was the only shot on goal for the MLS club, but Luis Cardenas made a comfortable save in the end.
Layun delivered the final nail in the coffin for the Crew’s slim chances, curling a right-footed free kick into the top-right corner in the 71st minute.
⚽️ ¡Golazo de Miguel Layún!
⚪️🔵 @Rayados | #SCCL21 pic.twitter.com/yxJlh77bYP
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) May 6, 2021
Monterrey’s victory now sets them up with a semifinal clash against domestic rivals Cruz Azul in August. As for the Crew, they will return to MLS action this weekend at home against D.C. United.
There ae still too many amateur players in mls.