Columbus Crew claimed a 2-1 victory over CF Pachuca in the Leagues Cup group stage, with Brais Mendez and Daniel Gazdag on target for the hosts. Despite being slightly outshot (17 to 11), the Crew proved more clinical in front of goal, registering an xG of 1.42 compared to Pachuca's 1.97, whilst maintaining 49 per cent possession. Columbus's goalkeeper made the decisive difference, recording a 90.91 per cent save rate across 11 shots on target faced, whereas Pachuca's keeper could only manage 60 per cent from five attempts. The Mexican side dominated possession with 51 per cent and created the more dangerous opportunities, but their inability to convert chances proved costly in a tightly contested encounter. This result strengthens Columbus's position in the group stage.