MLS champions Columbus Crew have lifted their next trophy in around nine months – again against Los Angeles FC. Two world champions were also in the spotlight
A perfect final spurt has brought Columbus Crew their next title almost nine months after the championship. On Monday night (CEST), the MLS champions beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 in the final of the Leagues Cup, who had already lost the MLS final to the Crew at Lower.com Field in December (1-2).
Diego Rossi, who had led Columbus to the final with three braces, came away empty-handed this time, but Cucho was a nightmare for LAFC. The 25-year-old Colombian with Premier League (Watford) and La Liga experience (Huesca, Getafe, Mallorca) put his team ahead shortly before the break (45′).
The visitors equalized in the 57th minute when their new superstar Olivier Giroud, who was in the starting eleven this time, headed in his debut goal. But Cucho struck back. First he failed to beat Hugo Lloris with his head (71′), but in stoppage time he overcame Giroud’s compatriot and fellow world champion by surprising him with an awkward cross that sailed past everyone (90+2). Cucho’s match-winning performance was crowned two minutes later when he served the substitute Canadian Jacen Russell-Rowe with the final goal
Trio qualify for CONCACAF Champions Cup
By winning the Leagues Cup for the first time, which initially includes all first division teams from Mexico and the USA, the Crew also automatically qualified for the round of 16 of the next CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Champions League for teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean. Columbus lost this year’s final there 3-0 to CF Pachuca from Mexico.
LaFC, led by coach Steven Cherundolo, had also qualified by reaching the Leagues Cup final, but will have to play in the first round. The Colorado Rapids, who beat Philadelphia Union on penalties in the third-place match, are also in the competition
