Leagues Cup roundup: Diego Rossi, Crew earn win over Puebla

Friday night in the Leagues Cup was a crucial test for two MLS teams looking to rebound from disappointing starts to the tournament, and both passed with flying colors. In a high-stakes group stage environment where every point matters, the ability to respond after a poor result is paramount. The Columbus Crew showcased their offensive firepower with a dominant first-half explosion, while New York City FC relied on a heroic goalkeeping performance to secure a much-needed clean sheet. It was a critical night of action that saw two American clubs keep their tournament hopes alive, creating high-stakes drama for fans and a fascinating slate for sports handicappers to analyze.

Rossi and a Teen Phenom Power Crew’s First-Half Explosion

Diego Rossi scored one goal and assisted another, and 18-year-old Taha Habroune added two assists as the Columbus Crew defeated Puebla 3-1. The Crew did all their damage in a blistering first half to secure four total points in group play. After a frustrating draw and penalty shootout loss in their opener, Columbus came out with purpose. Rossi put them on the board before Malte Amundsen and Andres Herrera also found the back of the net before halftime.

The night was a showcase for the Crew’s top talents. Rossi was a constant threat, but the breakout star was Habroune, whose two assists in his first start demonstrated his incredible potential as a playmaker. The Crew’s dominant performance has put them in a strong position to advance from their group, a development that will be tracked on all the top sports picks sites. For Puebla, the loss highlights a concerning defensive trend, as they have now allowed multiple goals in three of their last five matches.

Freese’s Penalty Save on James Rodriguez Seals NYCFC Shutout

Goalkeeper Matt Freese was the hero for New York City FC, saving a second-half penalty kick from international superstar James Rodriguez to preserve a clean sheet in a crucial 2-0 victory over Club Leon. After being soundly beaten 3-0 in their tournament opener, NYCFC needed a massive response, and Freese delivered it. With his team leading 2-0, he came up huge, diving to deny Rodriguez from the spot in a game-defining moment.

The save was the highlight of a complete performance for NYCFC. Alonso Martinez and Agustin Ojeda scored in the first half to build the lead, and Freese made four total saves to earn his seventh clean sheet in all competitions. Freese’s incredible penalty save was a game-changing moment that will have him at the top of the tournament’s ‘Best Plays’ leaderboard. For Leon, the loss was devastating, as their scoring drought continues and their hopes of advancing are now in serious jeopardy.

Looking Ahead in the Leagues Cup

Friday’s results have majorly shaken up the group standings. The Columbus Crew’s victory puts them in the driver’s seat to qualify for the knockout stage. NYCFC’s defiant win gives them a lifeline and sets up a must-win scenario in their final group match. On the Liga MX side, Puebla must now regroup after a poor defensive showing, while Club Leon is on the brink of elimination and desperately needs to find a way to score. With the final matchday of the group stage approaching, the live odds and scores will determine who moves on and who goes home.