You know those games where you’re pretty sure the scriptwriter just gave up on logic and started throwing darts at a board? That was Columbus Crew vs Toluca last July. On paper, it was a clash of titans—the defending Leagues Cup champions against a Toluca side that looked like they were playing FIFA on semi-pro difficulty. But the actual 90 minutes (and the chaos that followed) was something else entirely.
If you weren't sitting in a yellow seat at Lower.com Field that night, you missed the quintessential "MLS vs Liga MX" experience. It had everything: a blown two-goal lead, a Portuguese veteran making defenders look like pylons, and a penalty shootout that felt like it lasted three days. Honestly, it was a reminder of why these cross-border matches are basically the only thing keeping mid-week summer soccer interesting.
The Night the Crew’s Defense Crumbled
For about 70 minutes, Columbus looked like they were going to sleepwalk into a victory. Diego Rossi opened the scoring early with a clinical penalty in the 11th minute. When Max Arfsten—a guy who’s been getting some serious USMNT looks lately—doubled the lead just after halftime, the stadium felt more like a victory party than a competition.
But then, Paulinho happened.
The Portuguese international, who Toluca brought in specifically for moments like this, decided he’d had enough of the "Columbus is unbeatable at home" narrative. He scored once in the 71st. Then he did it again in the 80th. Just like that, a 2-0 cushion evaporated. The Crew’s backline, usually as sturdy as a brick wall under Wilfried Nancy, started looking surprisingly porous.
It’s worth noting that the Crew were missing some heavy hitters. No Mohamed Farsi, no Nicholas Hagen, and no Rudy Camacho in the heart of the defense. You could tell. Without Camacho’s leadership, the organization fell apart the moment Toluca turned up the heat.
Why the Leagues Cup Format Matters Now
People love to complain about the Leagues Cup interrupting the regular season. I get it. But matches like Columbus Crew vs Toluca prove the format change actually works. In the 2025 edition, teams weren't just playing for "pride" or some plastic trophy; they were fighting for 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup spots.
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Toluca ended up winning the shootout 4-2. It was a brutal watch for Crew fans. Diego Rossi, usually the hero, missed his spot-kick. Amar Sejdic followed suit. Meanwhile, Toluca’s Alexis Vega and Helinho (the Brazilian winger who is arguably the best player in Liga MX right now) were ice-cold from the spot.
The Statistical Reality
If you look at the box score, it’s a weird one. Toluca had 56% possession and peppered the goal with 20 shots. Columbus? They only had 9. Usually, the Crew dominate the ball. This match showed that even the best MLS systems can get suffocated by the technical quality of a top-tier Mexican side when the press isn't 100% on point.
- Total Shots: Toluca 20, Columbus 9
- Shots on Goal: Toluca 8, Columbus 3
- Final Score: 2-2 (Toluca won 4-2 on PKs)
What This Means for the 2026 Season
As we head deeper into January 2026, both clubs are in very different places. Toluca is chasing a historic three-peat in Liga MX under Antonio Mohamed. They are deep, they are rich, and they are terrifying in the final third.
Columbus, meanwhile, is in a bit of a transition phase. There’s been massive speculation about Max Arfsten moving to Europe. If that happens, Nancy has a huge hole to fill on the wing. They’ve also been clearing veteran salary cap space, which suggests a big "Designated Player" move might be coming before the MLS primary transfer window closes.
The rivalry between these two isn't just a one-off thing anymore. With the expanded 2026 schedule, these teams are likely to cross paths again in the Champions Cup. If you're a betting person, don't ever bet against a draw when these two meet. They are too evenly matched in everything except the shootout, where Toluca seems to have the mental edge.
Making Sense of the Rivalry
Is Liga MX better than MLS? This match didn't give a definitive answer, but it did show that the gap is basically non-existent. The "home field advantage" that MLS teams used to rely on is fading. Toluca walked into one of the loudest stadiums in the U.S. and played like they owned the place.
If you’re looking to follow the next chapter of this matchup, keep an eye on the injury reports for the Crew. Their depth is their biggest weakness. When Nagbe or Rossi have an "off" night, there isn't always a Plan B that works against a team as disciplined as Los Diablos Rojos.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Transfer Wire: If Columbus sells Arfsten, their tactical shape changes completely. Look for them to scout a high-pace replacement in South America.
- Respect the Paulinho Factor: In any future matchup, Paulinho is the man to mark. The Crew gave him an inch and he took a mile.
- Shootout Prep: MLS teams historically struggle in penalties against Mexican sides. Expect Wilfried Nancy to prioritize "end-of-practice" spot-kick drills this spring.
The next time Columbus Crew vs Toluca shows up on your TV, cancel your plans. It's never going to be a boring 0-0 draw. It’s going to be a mess, it’s going to be loud, and it’ll probably break your heart if you’re rooting for the home team.