Columbus Crew captures 2024 Leagues Cup glory in 3-1 win

The Columbus Crew are the 2024 Leagues Cup Champions after defeating Los Angeles FC 3-1, scoring two goals in extra time to bring another title to Columbus! Before their 2023 MLS Cup victory, the Crew had never beaten LAFC, suffering three consecutive losses. Now, they are on a three-game winning streak against LAFC, including two wins in finals (MLS Cup and Leagues Cup) and a dominant 5-1 road victory in July.

Cucho Hernández ignited the Crew's first-half lead with a dramatic header, muscling past LAFC's Ilie Sánchez to convert Mohamed Farsi’s precise cross into the back of the net.

Yet, Steve Cherundolo’s side refused to be outdone. Olivier Giroud brought LAFC back into the match with his first goal for the club, capitalizing on a perfectly delivered Mateusz Bogusz corner. In the 57th minute, Giroud’s expertly placed header leveled the score, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner and keeping LAFC’s hopes alive.

Hernández almost restored the Crew’s lead in the 71st minute, delivering a cross to Christian Ramirez, whose header was expertly saved by Hugo Lloris. As the match headed into the dying moments, Hernández delivered a second dose of magic. In stoppage time, his cross, intended for Jacen Russell-Rowe, evaded the LAFC defense and goalkeeper Lloris, finding the bottom-right corner for his second goal of the night.

But Hernández wasn’t finished. Moments later, he orchestrated a decisive counterattack, setting up Russell-Rowe for a clinical finish. The substitute struck in the 94th minute, sealing the Crew’s triumph with a quick succession of goals. Hernández, once again, played the role of playmaker, delivering a masterclass to secure the victory and add another chapter to Columbus’s storied season.

Columbus, fresh off their victory against LAFC in the last MLS final, has now secured their second trophy in just eight months, capturing the Leagues Cup title. The Crew's triumph follows Inter Miami's win in the inaugural edition last year, led by Lionel Messi. Under Wilfried Nancy’s leadership, this latest victory adds to a remarkable run of success, solidifying Columbus's place among the elite teams in North American soccer.

Cucho Hernandez is worth the investment

Columbus forked out a club-record fee to bring Juan Camilo Hernández, better known as ‘Cucho,’ from Watford for $10 million in the summer of 2022—a highly ambitious move that couldn’t have worked out better. Having played 82 games and approaching the 100-cap mark, Hernández has racked up a staggering 52 goals and 21 assists across all competitions. Keep in mind, the Colombian only arrived two years ago. That’s 73 goal contributions—just mind-boggling. Here another fact, in just 17 matches across the 2024 Leagues Cup, 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, and 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, Cucho has recorded 16 goal contributions, with 11 goals and five assists.

His contributions were a big part of the Crew’s success in 2023 and even 2024. The forward won MLS Cup MVP and followed up that success with the Leagues Cup MVP. Cucho looks very well settled in the state capital, but only time will tell when the big boys in Europe start calling as the Crew’s talisman keeps bringing in trophies.

“Let’s run it back” - Aidan Morris

With the party happening Sunday night, we must not forget that MLS play resumes this Wednesday as Columbus travels to Subaru Park to face the Philadelphia Union. Heavy rotation is anticipated due to the timing, but the first MLS game since early July will return to Lower.com Field this Saturday as the Crew once again host NYCFC. The road to MLS Cup glory is now underway as the regular season winds down. Another date to mark for a shot at another trophy is the Campeones Cup against Club América at LDC Field on September 25th. Let’s win it all!