By Alex Thierry
Columbus Crew took another step toward the Leagues Cup 2026 Quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Pachuca on Friday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.
Pachuca began the game with intensity, but the Crew found many spaces in their rival’s defense and began creating chances before Brais Méndez broke the deadlock with a spectacular goal in the 19th minute, making for a memorable first start with the club.
The former Real Sociedad midfielder stole the show with a stunning scissor kick to put Columbus Crew ahead. Méndez only recently joined the club but has already scored in each of his first three matches for the Crew.
Pachuca tried to find a way back through a lively Salomón Rondón, but was unable to find the back of the net. Instead of an equalizer, Columbus Crew extended the lead just before halftime.
A deep corner from Méndez caused chaos inside the box, and Dániel Gazdag capitalized on a series of rebounds to double Columbus' advantage in the third minute of first-half additional time.
Pachuca entered the second half determined to cut the deficit. The Tuzos gained possession and launched a barrage of crosses into the box, resulting in a goal by Oussama Idrissi in the 72nd minute, assisted by Alan Mozo.
Moments later, Sergio Barreto received his second yellow card, reducing the Liga MX side to 10 men and making the comeback even more difficult. Pachuca continued pushing until the final whistle, with even goalkeeper Carlos Moreno joining the attack in search of a late equalizer.
Conceding just before halftime and going down to 10 men shortly after pulling a goal back proved costly for Pachuca, while Columbus secured another three points to remain perfect through two Leagues Cup matches.
REACTIONS
- Columbus Head Coach Laurent Courtois
- “Besides Brais Méndez’s quality and his different (soccer) IQ, he’s very humble and eager to help, and that’s great for a team to have.”
- Pachuca Head Coach Benjamín Mora
- "Today, Pachuca was a worthy opponent, and I felt represented by the team and proud of the way they competed. I won't give up, and I'll keep pushing to help the players become the best version of themselves."
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Columbus
- Brais Méndez scored with a stellar scissor kick and has now scored three goals since joining the team.
- Pachuca
- Oussama Idrissi created multiple chances for Pachuca and scored a goal to cut the deficit.
GAME NOTES
- Brais Méndez scored his second goal in the 2026 Leagues Cup.
- Columbus Crew has a perfect record after two games.
- Pachuca had 11 shots on target, but only scored one goal.
- Pachuca ended the game with 10 men after Sergio Barreto saw a red card.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Columbus: Malte Amundsen (‘36), Ruvalcaba (‘65), André Gómez (‘80)
- Pachuca: Sergio Barreto (‘14), Carlos Moreno (90’+5’)
- Red Cards:
- Pachuca: Sergio Barreto (second yellow)
LOOKING AHEAD
- Columbus: Aug. 11 vs. Pumas
- Pachuca: Aug. 11 vs. Charlotte
