In a stunning turn of events that left Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy chuckling on the sidelines, his team managed to concede the fastest goal in Leagues Cup history during their quarterfinal match at Lower.com Field. The Columbus squad found themselves trailing just 12 seconds into the game after a blunder by center back Rudy Camacho allowed New York City FC’s Alonso Martínez to calmly slot the ball into the net.
Reflecting on the early setback, Nancy later remarked in a press conference, “I was like, ‘not now guys, not now.’ It’s the beginning of the game.” Despite this mishap, the Yellow Football Team has shown resilience in their recent matches, only being held scoreless once since May, illustrating their ability to overcome obstacles and come out victorious.
Nancy’s tactical approach, which embraces risk and utilizes it to unsettle opponents, may have contributed to moments like Camacho’s error being seen as part of the team’s strategy. NYCFC proved to be a formidable opponent, disrupting Columbus’ usual style of play and forcing them to adapt. With standout performances from All-Star center back Thiago Martins and Maxi Moralez, the Pigeons effectively controlled possession and posed a threat on the attack.
While the Crew ultimately emerged victorious in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal, the match served as a reminder that even the most skilled teams can face challenges. Nancy’s ability to maintain composure and guide his team through adversity will be crucial as they continue their campaign in the competition and look ahead to future matches.
