Columbus Crew 2-1 LAFC: MLS Cup Final 2023 Roundup

Professional soccer in the United States lived its last great party of the year with the MLS Cup Final. Columbus Crew defeated the reigning champion, LAFC, in the decisive match. 

The city of Columbus, in Ohio, could celebrate a new title thanks greatly to the Colombian Juan Camilo ‘El Cucho’ Hernández, who ended up as the star of ‘The Crew.’ 

In addition, this trophy helped them to regain the crown, something that had not happened since 2020. For the Californian club, luck was different, and they will have to wait at least another year to be the king of MLS again. 

Thus ended an exciting season of the top soccer league in this country, and now we will have to wait until 2024 for a new championship, now with the presence of Lionel Messi in Inter Miami from the beginning.

MLS Cup Final – Columbus Crew 2-1 LAFC – Info 

When? 

Saturday, December 9 at 04:00 PM ET at Lower.com Field  

Moneyline odds: 

Columbus Crew +120 

LAFC +215 

Draw Offs: 

+240 

Where can I watch it?

MLS Pass on Apple TV

Season after season, MLS continues to gain popularity in the United States and worldwide, in part due to the arrival of a figure like Lionel Messi. However, the Argentine star did not fight for the title with Inter Miami, as the final had Columbus Crew and Los Angeles FC as protagonists. 

The definition of the most coveted trophy in this country took place in Ohio and had the triumph of the local team, which defeated the Californians 2-1 in front of a full stadium.

MLS Cup Final Roundup

The opening goal was by Colombian striker Juan Camilo ‘El Cucho’ Hernández, who accurately kicked a penalty kick to the right post of goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. 

That was the 21st conversion of ‘El Cucho’ in the league, being the most decisive player of ‘The Crew’ and one of the most important in the MLS, as confirmed by his candidacy for the MVP award. But the South American was not the only one to celebrate the goal. 

In the 37th minute, Ghanaian winger Yaw Yeboah received a ball from Danish midfielder Malte Amundsen, and with the outside of his left foot, he slammed the ball into the net. 

Although Denis Bouanga scored in the 74th minute for LAFC, taking advantage of a poor rejection by goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, the result was on Columbus’ side, who showed hierarchy when facing the playoffs. 

Wilfried Nancy’s side eliminated Atlanta United, Orlando City, and FC Cincinnati, the best team throughout the season. The Ohio club’s scoring prowess was their key to celebrating in the MLS Cup final. 

It is important to note that Columbus Crew was fourth in the Eastern Conference in the regular season, scoring 57 points. It won 16 games, drew nine, and lost the same amount. 

This franchise is now the third most successful in US Soccer, with three trophies. It is only surpassed by LA Galaxy (4) and DC United (4). The years in which the ‘Crew’ managed to be the king of the league were 2008, 2020, and the current campaign. 

It’s notable that coach Nancy had never been champion and has been with this team since last year, having coached CF Montréal. 

It was a mixed year for LAFC, playing many games and going far in all competitions but not winning anything. However, they finished with the Golden Boot, as Bouanga scored 25 goals in the year.