Will Star Striker Juan Cucho Hernandez Feature in Critical Champions Cup Quarterfinal Match?

Heading into the first leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals, the Columbus Crew and head coach Wilfried Nancy faced uncertainty over the participation of star striker Juan "Cucho" Hernandez. Speculation arose after he was left out of the squad for the Crew's 2-2 draw against Nashville SC on Saturday. When questioned about Hernandez's absence, Nancy simply cited "team policy" without elaborating further, leaving reporters seeking more clarity.

Nancy's vague response fueled further uncertainty, stating, "We'll see what we're going to do," following the draw on Saturday, casting doubt on Hernandez's availability for Concacaf Champions League. This decision came after Cucho had displayed signs of discontent during the Crew's previous match against Charlotte FC, indicating frustration while interacting with coaches on the sideline in Nancy's absence due to an illness. Although the situation was initially downplayed, omitting him from the squad hinted at Nancy's possible attempt to address the issue.

Impact on the Team

Hernandez's availability holds immense significance for the Crew, given his impressive record of four goals and one assist in all competitions at the beginning of the season, following a remarkable tally of 21 goals and eight assists last season. Hence, his potential absence could substantially influence the outcome of the upcoming match.

Delayed Kickoff Due to Weather Conditions

In an unforeseen turn of events, the match's kickoff faced a delay due to thunderstorms, pushing the game's commencement from its initial 7 p.m. slot to at least 8:45 p.m. ET. The persistent lightning in the area further extended the delay, requiring continuous monitoring of local weather conditions to determine a feasible start time.

• Date: Tuesday, April 2
• Time: 8:45 p.m. ET
• Location: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
• TV: FS1
• Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
• Odds: Columbus Crew +100; Draw +210; Tigres +230

Key Players and Predictions

Columbus Crew: While Cucho's uncertain status hovers over the match, other pivotal players for the Crew include Aidan Morris and Diego Rossi, who are expected to play significant roles in the upcoming contest. Securing a strong performance and potentially scoring goals will be crucial for the team's morale, especially before heading to Mexico for the second leg.

Tigres UNAL: Anre-Pierre Gignac, often referred to as "Mr. Champions League," emerges as a key figure for Tigres. With an impressive track record of 18 Champions Cup goals, ranking him fourth in the competition's history, Gignac poses a considerable threat. Alongside Hernandez, Gignac's impact is anticipated in the upcoming fixture.

Match Prediction

Despite facing adversity, the Crew is anticipated to seize an early advantage at home, boosted by Cucho's potential return. While conceding an away goal is conceivable, securing a victory holds utmost importance. Prediction: Columbus Crew 2, Tigres 1