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Columbus Crew face Mexicans Monterrey today, in the first leg of the semi-finals of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

After beating Tigres in the quarter-finals, Columbus Crew have gone down in franchise history by reaching the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time. In the last four, the 2023 MLS Cup winners will Monterrey - and will be out for revenge on the Mexicans.

As their pursuit of a first ever CONCACAF title continues, Columbus have become MLS’ last hope of success in the Champions Cup this term. They are the league’s only remaining team in the competition, which was last won by an MLS side in 2022, when Seattle Sounders defeated Pumas in the trophy decider. This year’s other semi-final tie is an all-Liga MX affair, with Club América and Pachuca level at 1-1 after Tuesday’s first leg.

“We have a clear vision as a club of what we want to do and how we can achieve it, and we can continue to write our story and evoke emotions,” Columbus head coach Wilfried Nancy said after the Crew’s penalty shootout win over Tigres earlier this month.

“With humility, I’m very proud of what we have accomplished together during the past year, but most importantly, I am pleased with how we are focused on growing together and working to improve as a team and individuals.”

Columbus made their debut in the tournament in 2003. The Ohioans reached the quarter-finals, before being dumped out thanks to a 6-0 first-leg defeat by Mexican club Morelia. The Crew went on to win the return leg, but a 2-0 victory in Columbus was not nearly enough to overhaul their huge deficit.

In the 2009/10 season, during the 16-year period in which the tournament was known as the Champions League, a Liga MX club once again ended Columbus’