COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Crew defeated the defending Leagues Cup champions in an epic 3-2 comeback at Lower. Com Field last night to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament, a notable victory from last season.

“It felt like a story we’ve experienced before,” said Crew striker Christian Ramirez.

The Crew trailed 2-0 in the second half. Miami neutralized the Crew’s attack in the first half, so the coaching staff made tactical adjustments in the second half to create more opportunities for the forwards.

“In the second half, when we made the changes, Matan and I really tried to create more movement and make it harder for them to defend us and create more space,” Ramirez said. “I think you saw that when Diego (Rossi) had a couple of runs in the middle of the pitch where he wasn’t being chased. Cucho (Hernandez) went into his niches where he is dangerous.”

The Crew scored two goals in a row within a 2-minute span and tied the game in the 68th minute. Ramirez headed in a shot from Max Arfsten for the Crew’s first goal of the night. Cucho quickly passed to Diego Rossi at the far post who equalized. Rossi then scored his second goal of the game in the 80th minute off an assist from Mo Farsi to take a 3-2 lead.

“I’m tired, I’m sleepy at the moment, but I’m happy that we gave this victory to our fans,” said Cucho.

The way the Crew recovered from a 2-0 deficit in the second half was similar to their comeback win in the Eastern Conference final against rival FC Cincinnati last season.

“It’s been a long time since we had a situation like this,” said crew manager Wilfried Nancy. “It’s a good reminder that we don’t give up.”

Even though the crew hasn’t played as “Cardiac Kids” as often this season, one thing has remained the same: The team doesn’t give up.

“I think most fans probably thought the Crew would still win the game even though they were down 2-0,” said former Crew goalie Tom Presthus. “That speaks to the culture that Wilfried (Nancy) created, the champion mentality that the whole team has.”

The Black and Gold host NYFC on Saturday at 6 p.m.