Columbus Crew claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Pachuca in the League Cup group stage on Thursday night. The result came after a match where the visitors dominated possession and attacks but could not convert their advantage. B. Mendez opened the scoring in the 19th minute before D. Gazdag doubled the lead just before half-time. O. Idrissi pulled one back for Pachuca in the 72nd minute but the home side held on.
The first half contained drama around the 43rd minute when S. Rondon's goal was cancelled by VAR for offside. That moment shifted momentum after Mendez had given Columbus the lead. Gazdag's strike in the 45th-plus-two minute was a response to Pachuca's pressure. The half ended with the hosts ahead and the visitors frustrated by the disallowed goal.
Second-half events saw both sides make changes. A. Alcaraz came on for Pachuca in the 66th minute while B. Mendez was substituted in the 70th minute for Columbus. Idrissi scored in the 72nd minute to level the scores, but then S. D. Barreto received a red card in the 74th minute. That dismissal changed the complexion of the game entirely.
The red card proved decisive. Pachuca had been the stronger side in many areas but were reduced to ten men with 16 minutes remaining. Columbus held their nerve after going ahead, not chasing a third goal but protecting their lead. The visitors pushed forward desperately but could not find the equaliser they deserved.
The statistics told a different story from the result. Pachuca enjoyed 51 per cent possession and registered 100 attacks compared to Columbus's 59. They created six big chances to five and had 11 shots on target against five. Yet they left it too late to impose themselves after Barreto's sending-off.
The outcome leaves Columbus Crew in a stronger position in the group. Pachuca's recent form showed inconsistency with losses to Leon and Cincinnati, and this result adds to those concerns. The visitors will need to regroup quickly if they are to progress from this stage.