Crew fairytale has happy ending as they beat LAFC in MLS Cup final

Columbus Crew showcased their bold, possession-oriented style to perfection, clinching the ultimate prize in MLS with a 2-1 victory over LAFC in MLS Cup 2023 presented by Audi.

This triumph adds to their previous victories in 2008 and 2020, cementing their place in history once again.

The first-half saw goals from Cucho Hernández (33′) and Yaw Yeboah (37′), providing Columbus with a comfortable lead despite Dénis Bouanga’s (74′) lifeline for LAFC.

This victory marked the end of LAFC’s MLS Cup repeat quest, and Wilfried Nancy’s team successfully reached the summit of the 29-team competition that commenced with the MLS is Back weekend on Feb. 25.

Earlier this year, LAFC was valued as the first $1 billion franchise in Major League Soccer.

Columbus — with one of the smallest markets in American pro sports — is worth nearly half that.

The Crew just took down the reigning champs to win their 2nd MLS Cup in three years 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KTgLK3yZ8W

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) December 9, 2023

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Cucho Hernández played a pivotal role in Columbus’ lead, converting an authoritative penalty kick that earned him the MLS Cup MVP presented by Audi honors. This achievement also made him the co-leading goal scorer in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs with five goals. The penalty opportunity arose when referee Armando Villarreal deemed LAFC defender Diego Palacios to have handled a flicked-up touch from Diego Rossi.

Columbus, known as the highest-scoring team in 2023, quickly extended their advantage as Yaw Yeboah capitalized on an 11-pass buildup. The left wingback received Malte Amundsen’s line-splitting through ball and skillfully slotted home an outside-the-foot finish past LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

However, Dénis Bouanga, a consistent force in 2023, added drama by slipping a second-effort shot past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. This goal drew Bouanga level with teammate Carlos Vela for the most calendar-year goals (38) in MLS across all competitions, matching Vela’s MVP-winning 2019 performance.

COLUMBUS CREW ARE THE NEW MLS CHAMPIONS! 🔥🏆👏 @MLS pic.twitter.com/BQtwAPvGJm

— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) December 9, 2023

Despite LAFC’s late push, Columbus held firm, and after seven minutes of second-half stoppage time, they celebrated as the MLS champions.