Malte Amundsen, a defender for the Columbus Crew, netted the equalizing goal in the second half of the Campeones Cup match, leveling the score at 1-1 and sending the game into penalty kicks against Club America. Unfortunately, Amundsen later missed Columbus’ final penalty attempt, which allowed Club America to clinch a 5-4 victory for the trophy.
Club America entered the match with a robust defense and a passionate fanbase, which was evident at Lower.com Field on Wednesday night. The first half ended without any goals, but Club America broke the deadlock in the 68th minute through a goal from second-half substitute Victor Davila. Amundsen ensured the match continued by scoring his first goal of the season from a corner kick delivered by Diego Rossi.
With the score tied at 1-1 when regulation time concluded, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout for the second consecutive year. The initial six penalty attempts saw both teams score and miss opportunities, creating a tense tie at 4-4. Amundsen’s shot hit the crossbar, leading to a successful final attempt by Nestor Araujo for Club America, sealing their victory and the Campeones Cup title.
In detail, the penalty shootout unfolded as follows:
– Crew’s first attempt: Rudy Camacho scored (Crew lead 1-0)
– Club America’s first attempt: Diego Valdes scored (1-1)
– Crew’s second attempt: Alex Matan missed (1-1)
– Club America’s second attempt: Richard Sanches missed (1-1)
– Crew’s third attempt: Jacen Russell-Rowe scored (Crew lead 2-1)
– Club America’s third attempt: Rodrigo Aguirre scored (2-2)
– Crew’s fourth attempt: Cucho Hernandez scored (Crew lead 3-2)
– Club America’s fourth attempt: Alvaro Fidalgo scored (3-3)
– Crew’s fifth attempt: DeJuan Jones scored (Crew lead 4-3)
– Club America’s fifth attempt: Victor Davila scored (4-4)
– Crew’s sixth attempt: Aziel Jackson missed (4-4)
– Club America’s sixth attempt: Ramon Juarez missed (4-4)
– Crew’s seventh attempt: Malte Amundsen missed (4-4)
– Club America’s seventh attempt: Nestor Araujo scored (Club America wins 5-4)
The match drew a sellout crowd of 20,198 fans at Lower.com Field. Columbus Crew has performed well in previous penalty shootouts this season, winning against both Tigres and New York City FC before this match.
Throughout the match, several substitutions were made as both teams sought tactical advantages. Club America’s effective adjustments in the second half proved decisive as they ultimately emerged victorious.
This year’s Campeones Cup adds to the storied history of the tournament since its inception in 2018, with multiple teams including Tigres and Atlanta United previously claiming the title.