Columbus Crew sacked Argentine reserve team coach Federico Higuain for telling a female referee "Don't forget this is a man's game" while refusing to release her from a handshake, the Major League Soccer club said Tuesday. Higuain, the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, had already received a red card and a two-match suspension for the incident before the team dismissed him.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-tebas-rejects-real-madrid-refereeing-conspiracy-claims-1790082194161">La Liga president Tebas rejects Real Madrid's refereeing conspiracy allegations</a>"We determined it's in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities," said Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall."After conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our Club's standards of what's expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met."Higuain during follow-up talks with the club was "unwilling to reflect or take accountability for his actions, nor did he offer a public apology," the Athletic reported, citing anonymous club sources.The incident occurred during a game in MLS's developmental MLS NEXT Pro league.According to the referees' union, Higuain "committed two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official -- squeezing her hand and refusing to let go after being told to stop three times."This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: 'Don't forget, this is a man's game,'" said the Professional Soccer Referees Association.The union criticized the league's initial two-game suspension as falling "drastically short," and called for at least a six-game suspension."Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it," it said in a statement."Our female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage. They deserve the same respect, dignity, and safe working environment as every other official."

Higuain, the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, had already received a red card and a two-match suspension for the incident before the team dismissed him.

Columbus Crew sacked Argentine reserve team coach Federico Higuain for telling a female referee "Don't forget this is a man's game" while refusing to release her from a handshake, the Major League Soccer club said Tuesday. Higuain, the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, had already received a red card and a two-match suspension for the incident before the team dismissed him. Also Read - La Liga president Tebas rejects Real Madrid's refereeing conspiracy allegations "We determined it's in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities," said Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall. "After conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our Club's standards of what's expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met." Higuain during follow-up talks with the club was "unwilling to reflect or take accountability for his actions, nor did he offer a public apology," the Athletic reported, citing anonymous club sources. The incident occurred during a game in MLS's developmental MLS NEXT Pro league. According to the referees' union, Higuain "committed two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official -- squeezing her hand and refusing to let go after being told to stop three times. "This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: 'Don't forget, this is a man's game,'" said the Professional Soccer Referees Association. The union criticized the league's initial two-game suspension as falling "drastically short," and called for at least a six-game suspension. "Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it," it said in a statement. "Our female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage. They deserve the same respect, dignity, and safe working environment as every other official."

Higuain, the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, had already received a red card and a two-match suspension for the incident before the team dismissed him.

Major League Soccer referee sacked for sexist comment about female match referee

Diego Rossi's two second-half goals launched the reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew over defending champion Inter Miami 3-2 to reach the Leagues Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The Uruguayan forward lifted the host Crew level in the 69th minute and netted the decider in the 80th to dethrone Miami, this season's overall MLS season leader.

Miami star Lionel Messi did not play, as he was still sidelined with a right ankle injury suffered a month ago in Argentina's Copa America final win over Colombia.

With the victory, the Crew will play host to a Saturday quarter-final against New York City, who won 2-1 over Tigres.

Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas gave Inter Miami a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute&nbsp;and compatriot Diego Gomez doubled the margin with a goal in the 62nd before US striker Christian Ramirez answered for the Crew in the 67th, setting the stage for Rossi's winning brace.

The tournament features MLS and Liga MX Mexican sides, with Messi leading Miami to last year's inaugural crown shortly after arriving in Florida.

New York City rallied to reach the last eight.

Argentine midfielder Guido Pizarro, the Tigres captain, opened the scoring with a header in the 18th minute but New York City netted the equalizer in the 20th through another Argentine midfielder, Maxi Moralez.

Uruguayan&nbsp;Santiago Rodriguez scored the final goal in the 65th minute from the left side on a left-footed shot inside the far post to give NYCFC the victory.

In Cincinnati, Tai Baribo's two goals lifted the Philadelphia Union to a 4-2 triumph over the hosts.

Philadelphia grabbed a 2-0 lead on goals by Danish forward Mikael Uhre in the 51st minute and Israeli striker Baribo in the 61st.

Czech midfielder Pavel Bucha answered for Cincinnati in the 66th minute and US defender DeAndre Yedlin netted an equalizer for the hosts in the 80th minute.

The Union responded on goals by Baribo in the 82nd and US substitute Quinn Sullivan in the 84th.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vinesh-phogat-cas-verdict-wrestlers-appeal-for-olympic-medal-deferred-till-august-16-749889">Vinesh Phogat CAS Verdict: Wrestler's appeal for Olympic medal deferred till August 16</a>

<h2>Mazatlan advances</h2>

Next up for Philadelphia will be a home quarter-final on Saturday against Mazatlan, which defeated Cruz Azul on penalties after playing to a 2-2 draw in Washington.

Mazatlan grabbed a 2-0 half-time lead on goals by Bryan Colula in the 40th minute and Panamanian midfielder Edgar Barcenas in the first minute of stoppage time.

Cruz Azul fell to 10 men in the fourth minute of the second half when Argentine defender Gonzalo Piovi was shown a red card.

Cruz Azul, however, was far from done as Uriel Antuna scored in the 84th minute and Colombia defender Willer Ditta added an equalizer in the opening seconds of stoppage time.

In penalties, Antuna, Ditta and Giorgos Giakoumakis failed to convert and&nbsp;Mazatlan won 3-1 to advance.

In later quarter-finals on Tuesday, Toluca was at Colorado with the winner set to face Mexican champions Club America or St. Louis in the quarter-finals.

San Jose was also at Los Angeles FC with the winner set to visit Seattle on Saturday.

All-time French goals leader Olivier Giroud&nbsp;is available for LAFC for the first time since the 37-year-old striker's move from AC Milan in May.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Diego Rossi's two second-half goals launched the reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew over defending champion Inter Miami 3-2 to reach the Leagues Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Diego Rossi's two second-half goals launched the reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew over defending champion Inter Miami 3-2 to reach the Leagues Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. The Uruguayan forward lifted the host Crew level in the 69th minute and netted the decider in the 80th to dethrone Miami, this season's overall MLS season leader. Miami star Lionel Messi did not play, as he was still sidelined with a right ankle injury suffered a month ago in Argentina's Copa America final win over Colombia. With the victory, the Crew will play host to a Saturday quarter-final against New York City, who won 2-1 over Tigres. Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas gave Inter Miami a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute and compatriot Diego Gomez doubled the margin with a goal in the 62nd before US striker Christian Ramirez answered for the Crew in the 67th, setting the stage for Rossi's winning brace. The tournament features MLS and Liga MX Mexican sides, with Messi leading Miami to last year's inaugural crown shortly after arriving in Florida. New York City rallied to reach the last eight. Argentine midfielder Guido Pizarro, the Tigres captain, opened the scoring with a header in the 18th minute but New York City netted the equalizer in the 20th through another Argentine midfielder, Maxi Moralez. Uruguayan Santiago Rodriguez scored the final goal in the 65th minute from the left side on a left-footed shot inside the far post to give NYCFC the victory. In Cincinnati, Tai Baribo's two goals lifted the Philadelphia Union to a 4-2 triumph over the hosts. Philadelphia grabbed a 2-0 lead on goals by Danish forward Mikael Uhre in the 51st minute and Israeli striker Baribo in the 61st. Czech midfielder Pavel Bucha answered for Cincinnati in the 66th minute and US defender DeAndre Yedlin netted an equalizer for the hosts in the 80th minute. The Union responded on goals by Baribo in the 82nd and US substitute Quinn Sullivan in the 84th. ALSO READ | Vinesh Phogat CAS Verdict: Wrestler's appeal for Olympic medal deferred till August 16 Mazatlan advances Next up for Philadelphia will be a home quarter-final on Saturday against Mazatlan, which defeated Cruz Azul on penalties after playing to a 2-2 draw in Washington. Mazatlan grabbed a 2-0 half-time lead on goals by Bryan Colula in the 40th minute and Panamanian midfielder Edgar Barcenas in the first minute of stoppage time. Cruz Azul fell to 10 men in the fourth minute of the second half when Argentine defender Gonzalo Piovi was shown a red card. Cruz Azul, however, was far from done as Uriel Antuna scored in the 84th minute and Colombia defender Willer Ditta added an equalizer in the opening seconds of stoppage time. In penalties, Antuna, Ditta and Giorgos Giakoumakis failed to convert and Mazatlan won 3-1 to advance. In later quarter-finals on Tuesday, Toluca was at Colorado with the winner set to face Mexican champions Club America or St. Louis in the quarter-finals. San Jose was also at Los Angeles FC with the winner set to visit Seattle on Saturday. All-time French goals leader Olivier Giroud is available for LAFC for the first time since the 37-year-old striker's move from AC Milan in May. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Columbus Crew oust Messi-less defending champ Inter Miami in Leagues Cup

Mexican side Pachuca won the CONCACAF Champions Cup for a sixth time on Saturday after outclassing Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew 3-0.

Veteran striker Salomon Rondon scored twice either side of a Miguel Rodriguez effort to seal a deserved victory at Pachuca's 30,000-capacity Estadio Hidalgo.

Columbus entered the final in a confident mood after a superb campaign, which saw them eliminate Mexican sides UANL Tigres and Monterrey en route to Saturday's showpiece.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-competition-gives-me-fantastic-happiness-says-ancelotti-after-real-madrids-15th-ucl-title-727955">‘This competition gives me fantastic happiness’, says Ancelotti after Real Madrid’s 15th UCL title</a>

But the MLS champions were overwhelmed by a blistering start from Pachuca, who took the lead after just 12 minutes when Venezuelan international Rondon burst clear of the Columbus defence and chipped a deft finish over advancing goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

Pachucha thought they had made it 2-0 moments later when Oussama Idrissi finished off another well-worked move that split the Columbus defence.

But the goal was overturned by referee Ivan Barton after an intervention from the VAR, which had spotted a foul in the build-up.

The reprieve was only fleeting for Columbus, however, with the MLS team struggling to cope with Pachuca's superior movement off the ball.

Just after the half-hour mark, Rodriguez made it 2-0 to the home side, sweeping home an emphatic finish after Erick Sanchez's cross.

Columbus had prepared for Saturday's final -- played some 7,959 feet (2,426 metres) above sea level -- by installing altitude tents at their players' homes and conducting workouts with the squad wearing elevation training masks.

But those attempts to acclimatise to the demanding local conditions appeared to have little noticeable effect on Saturday with Pachuca controlling play for long periods and carving out chances at will.

Only some superb play from Columbus goalkeeper Schulte prevented Pachuca from adding to their tally as the second half got under way with wave after wave of attacks by the Liga-MX side.

Eventually though, the Columbus resistance was broken again, with Rondon sweeping a low finish into the bottom corner on 67 minutes after good work down the left by Idrissi.

Rondon's second goal made it 3-0 to the Mexicans and Columbus never looked remotely capable of overturning the deficit.

Pachuca's win, meanwhile, continues Mexico's long record of dominance in the tournament, the premier continental club competition for teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Mexican clubs have won 18 of the last 19 editions of the tournament.

Saturday's win also means Pachuca have scooped the last CONCACAF qualifying berth for next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which is due to be staged in the United States.

Mexican side Pachuca won the CONCACAF Champions Cup for a sixth time on Saturday after outclassing Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew 3-0. Veteran striker Salomon Rondon scored twice either side of a Miguel Rodriguez effort to seal a deserved victory at Pachuca's 30,000-capacity Estadio Hidalgo.

Mexican side Pachuca won the CONCACAF Champions Cup for a sixth time on Saturday after outclassing Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew 3-0. Veteran striker Salomon Rondon scored twice either side of a Miguel Rodriguez effort to seal a deserved victory at Pachuca's 30,000-capacity Estadio Hidalgo. Columbus entered the final in a confident mood after a superb campaign, which saw them eliminate Mexican sides UANL Tigres and Monterrey en route to Saturday's showpiece. ALSO READ: ‘This competition gives me fantastic happiness’, says Ancelotti after Real Madrid’s 15th UCL title But the MLS champions were overwhelmed by a blistering start from Pachuca, who took the lead after just 12 minutes when Venezuelan international Rondon burst clear of the Columbus defence and chipped a deft finish over advancing goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. Pachucha thought they had made it 2-0 moments later when Oussama Idrissi finished off another well-worked move that split the Columbus defence. But the goal was overturned by referee Ivan Barton after an intervention from the VAR, which had spotted a foul in the build-up. The reprieve was only fleeting for Columbus, however, with the MLS team struggling to cope with Pachuca's superior movement off the ball. Just after the half-hour mark, Rodriguez made it 2-0 to the home side, sweeping home an emphatic finish after Erick Sanchez's cross. Columbus had prepared for Saturday's final -- played some 7,959 feet (2,426 metres) above sea level -- by installing altitude tents at their players' homes and conducting workouts with the squad wearing elevation training masks. But those attempts to acclimatise to the demanding local conditions appeared to have little noticeable effect on Saturday with Pachuca controlling play for long periods and carving out chances at will. Only some superb play from Columbus goalkeeper Schulte prevented Pachuca from adding to their tally as the second half got under way with wave after wave of attacks by the Liga-MX side. Eventually though, the Columbus resistance was broken again, with Rondon sweeping a low finish into the bottom corner on 67 minutes after good work down the left by Idrissi. Rondon's second goal made it 3-0 to the Mexicans and Columbus never looked remotely capable of overturning the deficit. Pachuca's win, meanwhile, continues Mexico's long record of dominance in the tournament, the premier continental club competition for teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Mexican clubs have won 18 of the last 19 editions of the tournament. Saturday's win also means Pachuca have scooped the last CONCACAF qualifying berth for next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which is due to be staged in the United States.

Pachuca beats Columbus Crew to lift CONCACAF Champions Cup for sixth time

The Columbus Crew won their third Major League Soccer title after beating Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the MLS Cup final on Saturday.

A penalty from Cucho Hernandez and goal from Yaw Yeboah gave the Crew a 2-0 lead at the interval before Denis Bouanga pulled a goal back for LAFC in the 74th minute.

In what may have been the final game before retirement for former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini and possibly a last appearance for LAFC for Mexican star Carlos Vela, last year's champions were convincingly beaten.

Columbus, coached by little-known Frenchman Wilfried Nancy, dominated the game for long stretches while Steve Cherundolo's LAFC were unable to unleash their trademark counter-attacks.

Nancy, who won his first major title as a coach in his first season with Columbus, said his team had improved throughout the season.

"They have grown a lot as players, and as people. When we started, I told them 'Guys, impossible is an opinion'-- just enjoy it and we're gonna grow. And this is what happened. This is unbelievable," he said.

"We played our way. I'm so proud".

After a frantic start, in front of a loud, capacity 20,802 home crowd, Columbus quickly settled into their possession game thanks to the calming influence of veteran midfielder Darlington Nagbe, who has now won the title with three different clubs.

French defender Steven Moreira had the first real opening, in the 16th minute, but his disappointing header from a promising position in the box was off target.

The Crew's roaming Colombian striker Hernandez sent a reminder of his goal threat with a shot from 20 yards out which flashed wide of the post.

Uruguayan attacking midfielder Diego Rossi was increasingly influential as he began to find spaces behind Hernandez and he went close in the 27th minute with a shot into the side-netting.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Fortunate penalty -</h2>

&nbsp;

The pressure on the Los Angeles defence was building but when the Crew broke through it was via a fortunate penalty award.

Yeboah crossed from the left, Rossi flicked the ball up in the air and it struck the shoulder of Diego Palacios and then his arm.

Referee Armando Villarreal had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Hernandez buried the penalty into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 in the 33rd minute.

Within four minutes the Crew doubled their lead with a goal of perfect simplicity.

Danish defender Malte Amundsen played a pinpoint defence-splitting pass to Yeboah who sped around the back of Ryan Hollingshead before poking home with the outside of his left-foot.

The Crew fans, many of whom had been chanting in the stadium over two hours before kick off, were ecstatic and LAFC, who had created next to nothing for the league's top scorer Bouanga, looked shell-shocked.

There was some encouragement though for the constantly singing black-clad visiting Los Angeles supporters on the stroke of half-time when a low cross from Cristian Olivera was almost sliced into his own goal by Crew defender Rudy Carmacho.

Columbus continued to dominate after the break though with the livewire Yeboah, skipping past two defenders as he weaved into the box, chipping over the advancing Los Angeles keeper Max Crepeau only for Palacios to head off the line.

There were signs that Columbus were starting to tire a little heading into the final 20 minutes with mistakes creeping into their game and LAFC pushed forward with more urgency.

A burst of pace from Bouanga got him behind the defence but his low ball across the face of the goal went untouched.

Moments later the French-born Gabon international got his team back into the game -- a right foot shot inside the box was parried by Patrick Schulte but Bouanga reacted swiftly and buried the loose ball.

But the Crew were not for crumbling, responding positively - Rossi scuffing a chance to make it 3-1 and substitute Christian Ramirez appealing in vain for a penalty after bursting into the box.

The Crew held firm in seven minutes of added time to set off a party as the Ohio crowd celebrated a third title following their triumphs in 2008 and 2020.

Chiellini said Columbus had deserved the victory.

"It was a beautiful journey, that we have to be proud of it. Of course, I am sad for the game, I don't think they are better in general but they played much better tonight," he said.

The Columbus Crew won their third Major League Soccer title after beating Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the MLS Cup final on Saturday. A penalty from Cucho Hernandez and goal from Yaw Yeboah gave the Crew a 2-0 lead at the interval before Denis Bouanga pulled a goal back for LAFC in the 74th minute.

The Columbus Crew won their third Major League Soccer title after beating Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the MLS Cup final on Saturday. A penalty from Cucho Hernandez and goal from Yaw Yeboah gave the Crew a 2-0 lead at the interval before Denis Bouanga pulled a goal back for LAFC in the 74th minute. In what may have been the final game before retirement for former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini and possibly a last appearance for LAFC for Mexican star Carlos Vela, last year's champions were convincingly beaten. Columbus, coached by little-known Frenchman Wilfried Nancy, dominated the game for long stretches while Steve Cherundolo's LAFC were unable to unleash their trademark counter-attacks. Nancy, who won his first major title as a coach in his first season with Columbus, said his team had improved throughout the season. "They have grown a lot as players, and as people. When we started, I told them 'Guys, impossible is an opinion'-- just enjoy it and we're gonna grow. And this is what happened. This is unbelievable," he said. "We played our way. I'm so proud". After a frantic start, in front of a loud, capacity 20,802 home crowd, Columbus quickly settled into their possession game thanks to the calming influence of veteran midfielder Darlington Nagbe, who has now won the title with three different clubs. French defender Steven Moreira had the first real opening, in the 16th minute, but his disappointing header from a promising position in the box was off target. The Crew's roaming Colombian striker Hernandez sent a reminder of his goal threat with a shot from 20 yards out which flashed wide of the post. Uruguayan attacking midfielder Diego Rossi was increasingly influential as he began to find spaces behind Hernandez and he went close in the 27th minute with a shot into the side-netting. - Fortunate penalty - The pressure on the Los Angeles defence was building but when the Crew broke through it was via a fortunate penalty award. Yeboah crossed from the left, Rossi flicked the ball up in the air and it struck the shoulder of Diego Palacios and then his arm. Referee Armando Villarreal had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Hernandez buried the penalty into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 in the 33rd minute. Within four minutes the Crew doubled their lead with a goal of perfect simplicity. Danish defender Malte Amundsen played a pinpoint defence-splitting pass to Yeboah who sped around the back of Ryan Hollingshead before poking home with the outside of his left-foot. The Crew fans, many of whom had been chanting in the stadium over two hours before kick off, were ecstatic and LAFC, who had created next to nothing for the league's top scorer Bouanga, looked shell-shocked. There was some encouragement though for the constantly singing black-clad visiting Los Angeles supporters on the stroke of half-time when a low cross from Cristian Olivera was almost sliced into his own goal by Crew defender Rudy Carmacho. Columbus continued to dominate after the break though with the livewire Yeboah, skipping past two defenders as he weaved into the box, chipping over the advancing Los Angeles keeper Max Crepeau only for Palacios to head off the line. There were signs that Columbus were starting to tire a little heading into the final 20 minutes with mistakes creeping into their game and LAFC pushed forward with more urgency. A burst of pace from Bouanga got him behind the defence but his low ball across the face of the goal went untouched. Moments later the French-born Gabon international got his team back into the game -- a right foot shot inside the box was parried by Patrick Schulte but Bouanga reacted swiftly and buried the loose ball. But the Crew were not for crumbling, responding positively - Rossi scuffing a chance to make it 3-1 and substitute Christian Ramirez appealing in vain for a penalty after bursting into the box. The Crew held firm in seven minutes of added time to set off a party as the Ohio crowd celebrated a third title following their triumphs in 2008 and 2020. Chiellini said Columbus had deserved the victory. "It was a beautiful journey, that we have to be proud of it. Of course, I am sad for the game, I don't think they are better in general but they played much better tonight," he said.

Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles FC for third MLS title

columbus-crew

Columbus Crew, News on Columbus Crew, stories on Columbus Crew, articles on Columbus Crew, Columbus Crew stories at Wion, Columbus Crew news, Columbus Crew latest news

columbus crew

Major League Soccer referee sacked for sexist comment about female match referee

Columbus Crew oust Messi-less defending champ Inter Miami in Leagues Cup

Pachuca beats Columbus Crew to lift CONCACAF Champions Cup for sixth time

Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles FC for third MLS title