Toluca vs. Columbus Crew clash on July 29, 2025, at Lower.com Field was a thriller you didn’t want to miss. Ending in a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, Toluca clinched a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout, kicking off the 2025 Leagues Cup with a bang. With stars like Helinho and Diego Rossi lighting up the pitch, this match was as wild as a ninth-inning rally.
A High-Octane Match Recap
The Leagues Cup group-stage opener at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, saw Toluca, ranked third in the tournament, face off against the fourth-ranked Columbus Crew, the 2024 Leagues Cup champions. Despite being played in Columbus, Toluca was designated the “home” team due to their higher ranking. The match, streamed on Apple TV with MLS Season Pass, delivered non-stop action:
- First Half: Columbus took the lead in the 11th minute when Jacen Russell-Rowe scored, assisted by Diego Rossi, making it 0-1. Toluca fought back with 55.9% possession and 21 shot attempts but couldn’t convert, trailing 0-1 at halftime.
- Second Half: Columbus extended their lead in the 48th minute with Max Arfsten’s right-footed strike, assisted by Russell-Rowe (0-2). Toluca responded in the 70th minute with Paulinho’s left-footed goal, assisted by Luan (1-2). In the 79th minute, Paulinho equalized with a header from an Alexis Vega cross, tying it at 2-2.
- Penalty Shootout: The match went to penalties after a tense 2-2 draw. Toluca’s Alexis Vega, Luan, Jesús Gallardo, and Helinho converted their shots, while Columbus’ Diego Rossi and Amar Sejdic had theirs saved by Toluca’s Luis García. Toluca won 4-2, earning 2 points in the group stage, while Columbus took 1 point for the draw.
Toluca’s dominance was clear with 8 shots on goal to Columbus’ 3, 7 corners to 2, and 6 yellow cards to Columbus’ 2, reflecting their aggressive play. Columbus’ goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made 6 saves, but Toluca’s persistence paid off.
Standout Stars: Helinho and Diego Rossi
- Helinho (Toluca): The Brazilian forward was a game-changer, scoring the decisive penalty and assisting teammates with his dynamic play. With 3 goals in Liga MX this season, Helinho’s form makes him a player to watch, as noted by VAVEL.
- Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew): Despite two missed penalties, Rossi’s creativity shone, assisting Russell-Rowe’s opener and generating 17 shots in his last 5 matches. His 90% pass accuracy reflects Columbus’ possession-based style under coach Wilfried Nancy.
Both players brought unpredictability, much like a clutch hit in a Mets vs. Padres game, keeping fans on edge.
Why This Match Matters in 2025
The Toluca vs. Columbus Crew showdown highlights the Leagues Cup’s growing appeal, pitting Liga MX’s reigning champions against MLS’s 2024 Leagues Cup winners. Toluca’s victory strengthens their group-stage standing (1st in their group), while Columbus (18th) faces pressure in upcoming matches against Club Puebla (Aug 1) and Club León (Aug 5). The match’s high-scoring nature—over 2.5 goals, as predicted by Scores24—underscores both teams’ attacking prowess and defensive gaps, with Toluca conceding in their last three games and Columbus in 14 of their last 16.
For American fans, this game mirrors the 2026 World Cup excitement, showcasing cross-league competition. Columbus’ resilience, despite injuries to Malte Amundsen (knee) and others, and Toluca’s home-like dominance at Lower.com Field signal a competitive tournament ahead.
What’s Next for Toluca and Columbus Crew
- Toluca: Fresh off their Liga MX Champion of Champions title, Toluca aims to maintain momentum against Puebla and León. Their attacking trio of Helinho, Paulinho, and Alexis Vega will be key. Fans can follow updates on @RedColaMx or watch via Apple TV.
- Columbus Crew: After a 1-3 loss to Orlando City on July 26, the Crew need wins to advance. Coach Wilfried Nancy’s excitement for facing Liga MX teams suggests a tactical shift. Catch their next games on Alt 105.7 FM or La Grande 103.1 FM.
How to Stay in the Game
Want to keep up with the Leagues Cup? Here’s how:
- Stream Live: Watch on Apple TV with MLS Season Pass or check fscore.net for live scores.
- Track Stats: Use Sofascore for real-time possession, shots, and player ratings.
- Join the Buzz: Share your thoughts on X with #LeaguesCup2025 or comment below!
A Wild Start to Leagues Cup 2025
The Toluca vs. Columbus Crew clash was a heart-pounding kickoff to the 2025 Leagues Cup, blending Liga MX flair with MLS grit. With Toluca’s penalty shootout triumph and stars like Helinho and Rossi stealing the show, this match set the tone for a thrilling tournament. As both teams gear up for their next group-stage battles, American fans can expect more soccer fireworks. Who’s your pick to win the Leagues Cup? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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