Diego Rossi's two second-half goals propelled the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew, to a 3-2 victory over defending Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Rossi's crucial goals in the 69th and 80th minutes overturned Miami's lead and dethroned the overall MLS season leader.
Inter Miami was without star player Lionel Messi, who missed the match due to a right ankle injury sustained during Argentina's Copa America final win over Colombia a month ago. Despite this, Inter Miami started strong with Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas scoring in the 10th minute, and compatriot Diego Gomez extending the lead to 2-0 in the 62nd minute. However, Christian Ramirez's goal in the 67th minute set the stage for Rossi's heroics, securing the Crew's victory.
With this win, Columbus Crew will host New York City FC in the quarter-finals on Saturday. NYCFC reached the last eight by rallying to defeat Tigres 2-1, with Santiago Rodriguez scoring the decisive goal in the 65th minute.
In another quarter-final match-up, the Philadelphia Union defeated Cincinnati 4-2, with Tai Baribo scoring twice. Philadelphia took a 2-0 lead, but Cincinnati fought back to equalize before Baribo and Quinn Sullivan secured the win for the Union. Philadelphia will now face Mazatlan, who advanced after a penalty shootout win over Cruz Azul following a 2-2 draw.
Later on Tuesday, other quarter-final spots were contested with Toluca facing Colorado, San Jose taking on Los Angeles FC, and Olivier Giroud potentially making his debut for LAFC since his move from AC Milan in May. The winners of these matches will complete the quarter-final lineup, with Seattle awaiting the winner of the San Jose-LAFC match.
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