The contrast was stark between Wilfried Nancy’s mood seconds into the game and how he, Crew players and Black & Gold supporters felt following DeJuan Jones’ game-winning penalty kick.
Fourteen seconds into Saturday night’s Leagues Cup quarterfinal, the Crew conceded a goal on a preventable giveaway. All Nancy could do was laugh.
“I don't know if we broke the records in the Guinness Book [of World Records] with the [14] seconds goal,” the head coach said afterward. “I was not upset because I was like, ‘Not now, guys. Not now,’ because this is the beginning of the game.”
So, the Crew had to dig out of an early deficit. Of course, it helps when you have Cucho Hernández.
Columbus forced the equalizer that eventually forced the match to penalties in the 41st minute when the Colombian forward nodded a pinpoint Max Arfsten cross toward the back post.
Both sides searched for a breakthrough but had to settle with a draw through 90 minutes. From there, the winner would be decided via a penalty shootout. And, because we wouldn’t expect it to be any other way, Nancy allowed the players on the pitch to determine their shootout order.
“I believe that we are all good when we take PKs during the practice,” Nancy said. “What I believe is PKs, this is a technical exercise, yes, but for me, this is a mental exercise. For me, the players have to decide who wants to take the PK. I am with them, and I want to give a good energy because again, this is a really difficult mental exercise. That's why I am like this.”
Rudy Camacho and Jacen Russell-Rowe were the first Crew kick takers and both converted their attempts. Diego Rossi went third and missed, but goalkeeper Patrick Schulte stopped Maxi Moralez’s seconds earlier via a sprawling save to the keeper’s right side.
Cucho then converted his kick, as did James Sands. But on the fifth attempt, Santiago Rodríguez sent his shot into The Nordecke, setting the stage for Jones to seal a spot in the semifinal.
With that, Jones, who has had quite a fine start to his time in the Ohio capital, sent Matt Freese the wrong way, confirming the shootout win.
“It was an amazing feeling,” Jones said. “The crowd was amazing all night. To hear them erupt after that goal is a special feeling, for sure.”
By advancing, the Crew host the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at Lower.com Field in the Leagues Cup semifinal. The Union drew Liga MX side Mazatalán FC, 1-1, but advanced on penalties (4-3) – exactly like the reigning MLS Cup champs.
If Columbus beats Philly, the Crew will face LAFC or the Colorado Rapids at Lower.com Field in the Leagues Cup Final on Aug. 25.
