Columbus Crew secured their place in Major League Soccer history by claiming the MLS Cup 2023 presented by Audi with a commanding 2-1 victory over Los Angeles FC at a rain-soaked Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Under the guidance of head coach Wilfried Nancy, the Eastern Conference outfit delivered a masterful display, marking their third-ever MLS Cup triumph after previous successes in 2008 and 2020.
Rain-Soaked Drama: Columbus Crew’s Masterclass Seals MLS Cup Glory
The momentum for Columbus surged early as Cucho Hernández and Yaw Yeboah netted crucial first-half goals, providing their team with a substantial lead before Dénis Bouanga’s late effort for LAFC. The rain-drenched field witnessed a riveting clash where Columbus, known for their possession-oriented style, showcased their prowess on soccer’s grandest stage.
Cucho Hernández seized the moment with an authoritative penalty kick in the 33rd minute. This pivotal contribution boosted his team and earned him the prestigious MLS Cup MVP award presented by Audi. The penalty opportunity arose from a decision by referee Armando Villarreal, who adjudged LAFC’s Diego Palacios to have handled a flicked-up touch from Diego Rossi, leading to the spot-kick.
Building upon their advantage, the Crew swiftly doubled their lead with Yaw Yeboah’s clinical finish following an impressive 11-pass buildup. Positioned as the left wingback, Yeboah capitalized on Malte Amundsen’s precise through ball to strike an outside-the-foot shot past LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
LAFC’s Heartbreak as Columbus Crew Seize MLS Cup:
LAFC’s relentless spirit found expression through Dénis Bouanga, who narrowed the deficit by slotting a determined second-effort shot past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. Bouanga’s goal marked a milestone, pulling him level with Carlos Vela for the most calendar-year goals in MLS across all competitions.
However, despite LAFC’s late surge, Columbus Crew maintained their composure, ultimately securing their victory after seven minutes of second-half stoppage time, igniting celebrations among the home supporters as they lifted the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
The match not only showcased Columbus’ triumph but also reflected upon the remarkable journey of the club, from their triumph in 2020 with limited fans amid the pandemic to their recent success at Lower.com Field, where a thriving crowd of 20,802 fans gathered for a memorable night.
The defeat for LAFC marked their third final loss of the year, serving as a poignant reminder of the challenges in securing consecutive victories in the MLS, a feat last accomplished by the LA Galaxy in 2011-12.
The standout performance of Cucho Hernández, the MLS Cup MVP, epitomized Columbus Crew’s spectacular year and solidified his place as a revered figure in the club’s history.
