Why Fans Should Care About Campeones Cup

As the Columbus Crew prepare to compete in the 2024 edition of the Campeones Cup, fans continue to question the necessity of an additional one-off cup game in the schedule. This relatively new international trophy, contested between the champions of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, represents not only a chance for silverware but also an opportunity to showcase the Crew's prowess on an international stage.

The Significance of the Campeones Cup

The Campeones Cup is more than just a trophy; it is a symbol of excellence in North American football. The match features the champions of the MLS and Liga MX, bringing together the best of North American soccer in a single high-stakes game. Though this competition is new to MLS fans, this format has a long and storied history in European competitions. For example, the Super Cup is a prestigious accolade in Europe where the champions of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League face off at the beginning of the season. It is highly regarded and a valued addition to clubs' trophy cases by the end of the season. As the Campeones Cup continues to grow in North America, it has the potential to become as esteemed and cherished among fans as the UEFA Super Cup is in Europe.

Columbus' First International Trophy

The Crew won in their only cup appearance in 2021 and are now looking to join UANL Tigres (2018 & 2023) as the only two-time cup winners. The 2021 win over Cruz Azul was the first international trophy in the Crew's history thanks to a bit of magic from Lucas Zelarayan and a header from then-captain, Jonathan Mensah. There is an added layer of history here with the dos-a-cero scoreline against the Mexican side in Columbus, but we will save that for another time.

Why It Matters

The Best Ever.

The Crew find themselves in a position they have never reached in their history. Coming off an MLS Cup win in December 2023, reaching the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup in June & winning the Leagues Cup in the final minutes in August, this team is making its case to be crowned the best-ever in MLS history.

Winning the Campeones Cup in 2024 would be another jewel in their crown of recent achievements. It would help reaffirm their status as one of the top teams in MLS and enhance their reputation on an international level. The match provides a unique platform to demonstrate their tactical acumen, resilience, and flair against a formidable opponent from Liga MX. Perhaps most importantly, a victory would boost the team's case for best-ever as they continue their domestic campaign in the MLS season.

Appealing to Talent

But the game has broader implications for the Black & Gold and MLS. It helps to elevate the profile of the league and its clubs on the global stage. Beating Cruz Azul, a LigaMX giant, no doubt meant something to players like club legend Lucas Zelarayan, who played for Tigres, Club America's rival. Success in international competitions can put the Crew on the radar and attract higher-quality players, increase fan engagement (Club America is easily the biggest name in North American soccer), and draw more attention from media and sponsors. For the Crew, it is an opportunity to build their brand.

Stick it to Don Garber (again)

This year, every trophy holds a higher level of significance. With the United States hosting the 2025 Club World Cup there is one open slot to represent the MLS. There's speculation (put your tin foil hats on) that Don Garber and the league are looking for a way to include Messi and Inter Miami in the competition. However, if the Crew continue to win, they can make a very strong and almost undeniable case for to be the best representative for the MLS. It would be most satisfying for Crew fans to see Don Garber recognize the Crew as the top choice. A Campeones Cup trophy will only strengthen Columbus' case.

Winning the Campeones Cup would be a testament to the Crew's ongoing excellence and would contribute to the team's legacy. It could help elevate the club's international standing and showcase our team on a global stage. If there was any doubt on how the players felt about this competition, here is what Cucho said about the Campeones Cup on the field immediately following the Leagues Cup win over LAFC.

The team has fully embraced the competition - its time the fans do too.