It was a picture perfect start and then some for the Columbus Crew to start the 2021 season and its journey in the CONCACAF Champions League. The MLS Cup champions dominated Nicaraguan powerhouse Real Esteli in a 4-0 road win to earn the team’s first true road win in more than a year and virtually seal a spot in the CCL quarterfinals. Columbus scored all of its goals in the first half with Gyasi Zardes netting twice, Pedro Santos scoring a penalty and Jonathan Mensah finishing a rare goal.
The Crew lineup was nearly at full strength with the most notable eye catcher being Derrick Etienne Jr.