The Columbus Crew stunned LAFC with two stoppage-time goals in a rematch of the 2023 MLS Cup final to be crowned League Cup champions.
Scorers: Hernandez 43′, 90+2′ Russell-Rowe 90+4′, Giroud 57′
LAFC looked scared through the first 45 minutes as Columbus dominated possession and created plenty of chances in front of goal.
Just when Crew was in the ascendancy and needed a golden opportunity to score, key player Cucho Hernandez answered the call, racing into the penalty area to score with a brilliant header to put the team ahead.
The visiting team appeared to receive a wake-up call from bench boss Steve Cherundolo during the break and came out blisteringly fast from the start of the second half.
Columbus’ star striker came on in the first half, followed by LAFC’s Olivier Giroud, who made his first start for the club and made his presence felt just before the 60th minute, tying the score with a header.
The star strikers continued to battle it out until the final seconds of the game, but this time it was Cucho Hernández who once again came out on top, surprising Hugo Lloris with a cross across the post that went straight into the goal without him even touching it.
But the Crew’s momentum continued, and a few minutes later, with LAFC racking up the points, the Crew scored their third goal to win their second trophy in two years.
Both teams will likely be in the spotlight again in MLS in the future, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they meet again in the MLS Cup final in December.
© Trevor Ruszkowski – USA TODAY Sports