Cucho Hernandez strikes again as Columbus Crew pull off stunning leg one semifinal victory over Monterrey in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Goals from Cucho Hernandez and Canada international Jacen Russell-Rowe saw the MLS side come out on top in leg one of the Champions Cup semifinal tie. The Colombian opened the scoring in the 25th minute, with the Rayados drawing level in the 58th through Argentine Maxi Meza.

Russell-Rowe called game, however, heading home in the 72nd minute.

The Crew knocked out Liga MX powerhouse Tigres in the quarterfinals of the tournament in stunning fashion, pulling off a remarkable upset on the road in Mexico. The reigning MLS champions are in stunning form, and Hernandez is leading the way, with six goals and one assist across all competitions.

Monterrey knocked out Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The Mexican side won the first leg 2-1 in Miami before taking the Herons back to Guadalupe and beating them 3-1 to secure a 5-2 aggregate victory.

The Crew are back in MLS action this weekend against CF Montreal before turning their eyes to leg two. They'll take on Monterey in Mexico next Wednesday for a chance at a berth in the Champions Cup final, where they would meet either Pachuca or Club America.