Toluca pulled off an impressive comeback against the Columbus Crew in their Leagues Cup Phase One opener on July 29, 2025. The match ended 2–2 in regular time, but Toluca secured the extra point with a 4–2 win in the penalty shootout.
Columbus started strong. Diego Rossi scored from the penalty spot in the 11th minute to give his team an early lead. Just after halftime, Max Arfsten doubled the advantage with a well-placed shot following an assist from Jacen Russell-Rowe.
However, Toluca refused to give up. Paulinho responded with two goals in the 71st and 80th minutes. His effort brought the game level and pushed it into a shootout.
In the penalties, goalkeeper Luis Manuel García took charge. He saved three shots, including two from Rossi, and shifted the momentum toward Toluca. Helinho then scored the final penalty to seal the win.
Toluca entered this tournament in strong form. They had scored 13 goals in their last four matches. The team also recently won the 2025 Liga MX Clausura and defeated Club América to claim the Campeón de Campeones trophy on July 20 in California.
On the other hand, the Columbus Crew came in as the defending Leagues Cup champions. Their lineup included Rossi and newly signed Designated Player Wessam Abou Ali, who was expected to strengthen their attack. Before this match, Crew ranked fourth out of the 36 teams, just behind Toluca.
Leading up to the game, there was buzz around Toluca’s attacking trio of Paulinho, Helinho, and Alexis Vega. Columbus focused on structured buildup play, relying on Rossi’s speed to break through. Still, despite the home advantage at Lower.com Field, the Crew’s defense collapsed in the final stretch.
Toluca’s victory gives them an early edge in this tightly contested tournament. Each team plays three cross-league matches, and only the top four teams from each league move to the knockout rounds. Additionally, the top three overall will qualify for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Now, Columbus needs to bounce back quickly. Their defense struggled late, and losing at home will surely hurt morale. Toluca, on the other hand, showed grit and discipline qualities that could carry them far in this year’s competition.
