Columbus' statement win sends shockwaves throughout MLS

In what many thought would be a close battle between the 2023 MLS Cup finalists, the Crew extended their winning streak with a dominant 5-1 victory over LAFC at BMO Stadium in Hollywood on Saturday. This impressive win not only sent a clear message to the rest of MLS about Columbus' strength and determination as well as Wilfried Nancy outclassing managers such as Steven Cherundolo, who’s rumored to be a candidate for the USMNT gig. It positions the Crew well in the supporter shield race, proving their capability to retain the MLS Cup.

The real Black & Gold are on an incredible run in Major League Soccer, winning five consecutive games and outscoring their opponents 20-2. The dynamic front three of Christian Ramirez, Diego Rossi, and Cucho Hernandez all found the back of the net once again. Additionally, captain Darlington Nagbe, Rudy Camacho, Max Arfsten, and Alex Matan, who came on late and stirred up even more chaos, delivered standout performances.

MASSIVE team performance

The Crew came out determined to prove that they can indeed retain the cup. They looked completely capable and were clearly motivated to be the team that ended LAFC's unbeaten home record. Asserting their authority from the start, much like in the cup final last December, Columbus dominated possession, holding nearly 70 percent in the first half and posing the primary threat throughout the match.

As pressure mounted for the home side, the visitors were relentless in their pursuit of the opener. It took 38 minutes for the Crew to break through, after a buildup that had been building throughout the half. Columbus strung together a series of precise passes to unlock the Los Angeles defense, finding gaps along the wings. Max Arfsten then delivered a superb ball into the box. There, Christian Ramirez, facing his former team, rose above the defense to head home and give the Crew the lead. He celebrated by running to his family near the corner flag. Ramirez has found the net in his last three games and has racked up six goals and three assists in his past six starts.

LAFC struggled to break free from Columbus' suffocating man-to-man press. However, whenever they managed to create a shooting opportunity in the box, veteran Rudy Camacho was consistently there making important blocks and interceptions, anticipating the danger and showcasing why he was brought in last summer. Malte Amundsen and Steven Moreira were tasked with shutting down Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz, who came into the match in fine form. They successfully muted their impact to the point where the opposition tried swapping positions in hopes of causing confusion, but even that strategy proved ineffective.

After halftime, Columbus struck twice within the first 15 minutes and showing absolutely no mercy. Cucho unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box, finding the top left corner and leaving Hugo Lloris rooted to his spot, making it 2-0 in the 56th minute. Former LAFC forward Diego Rossi then added another goal in the 60th minute, extending the lead to 3-0.

In the 82nd minute, Alex Matan came on to replace Cucho and quickly influenced the game by drawing a foul from LAFC's Sergi Palencia, resulting in Palencia's second yellow card. Matan took charge of the resulting free kick and delivered a precise ball that found Ramirez's head. Ramirez redirected it into the bottom right corner, leaving Lloris with no chance to stop it.

LAFC finally found the net a minute later after Patrick Schulte spilled a shot from outside the box, preventing the Crew from keeping a clean sheet. However, Darlington Nagbe, showing his relentless work ethic, promptly stripped the ball from an LAFC defender and passed it to Matan. Matan then curled a shot into the bottom right corner, adding to the scoreline in a moment that even he found hard to believe.

Once again, LAFC, unbeaten at home and leading the Western Conference in scintillating form, met another team in peak condition. Columbus' resounding 5-1 victory sends a resolute message across the league: they are a formidable force, whether playing away or at home.

The Crew currently sit sixth in the Supporters' Shield standings and third in the Eastern Conference, despite having played fewer games than many teams. FC Cincinnati currently leads both tables, sitting six points ahead of Columbus but having played two more games. If Columbus were to win those two games in hand, they would be level on points with Cincinnati, with goal differential becoming the decisive factor. The Crew boast the best goal differential in the league by far, with +26, eight more than the next best, Real Salt Lake.

Next up for Columbus is a home match against Charlotte at Lower.com Field on Wednesday, a game that Wilfried Nancy hinted may require some rotation. Following that, the Black & Gold will head to Atlanta for their final MLS match before the break. This period also includes the MLS All-Star match against Liga MX all-stars, a friendly against Aston Villa, and participation in the Leagues Cup. Glory to Columbus!