Columbus Crew 2-1 LAFC summary: score, goals, highlights: MLS Cup Final 2023
Columbus Crew - LAFC: As it happened
Columbus Crew are the 2023 MLS Cup champions after victory over 2022 winners LAFC.
Home advantage made the Crew slight favourites ahead of kick-off but few would have anticipated the level of dominance enjoyed by Wilfried Nancy's side. The Eastern Conference champions had a number of chances in the early stages but finally found the opening goal in the 32nd minute when Cucho Hernández fired home from the penalty spot.
Just minutes later Yaw Yeboah latched onto a brilliant through-ball from Malte Amundsen to double the Crew's advantage heading into half time.
LAFC had a little more of the ball after the break but struggled to generate any meaningful chances. It looked like Columbus were cruising to victory until Denis Bouanga got one back late on, snaffling a poacher's opportunity at the second attempt.
But despite that late complication, the Crew saw out the final minutes with minimal fuss to spark jubilant scenes in Columbus. Wilfried Nancy ends his first season in charge with vindication for his front-foot playing style and a third MLS Cup triumph in franchise history.
Can Columbus Crew build a dynasty?
Given their fluidity and confidence in MLS Cup today, it is easy to forget that this Columbus Crew side have just completed their first season under Wilfried Nancy. The French coach has completely transformed the team's style of play, implemented a risk-taking, front-foot philosophy that has proved extremely successful.
They have proved too strong for LAFC, a team who knows how to win, and marked themselves as real contender for the title again next year. They have a core of talented young players in Patrick Schulte, Aidan Morris and Mohamed Farsi.
Tonight's victory was a dominant performance from the Crew, and perhaps a sign of what is to come.
Emotions overcome victorious Columbus Crew
This is what it means.
The Columbus Crew are crowned MLS Cup champions in front of their home crowd and Wilfried Nancy's side didn't know what to do with themselves on the full time whistle!
And Columbus Crew lift MLS Cup!
Golden confetti flutters in the air as Columbus Crew celebrate their third MLS Cup title. It has been a thrilling season from Wilfried Nancy's side, one that ends with a comprehensive victory against last season's champions.
We're nearly ready for the trophy lift at Lower.com Field. The full Columbus squad are on the podium for the big moment.
But first, MLS Commissioner Don Garber makes some remarks in front of the Columbus crowd.
The reception is... predictable.
Crew midfielders at the heart of team triumph
There were, perhaps, flashier players on show in MLS Cup final, but the midfield duo of Darlington Nagbe and Aidan Morris was at the heart of the Crew's victory. Their dynamism and quality on the ball formed the perfect base for Wilfried Nancy's team and they outplayed the three-man LAFC midfield.
Nagbe becomes just the tenth player to win MLS Cup for a fourth time.
MLS Cup MVP: Cucho Hernandez
Columbus goalscorer Cucho Hernandez has been named MLS Cup MVP for a brilliant all-round performance today! His 33rd-minute penalty got the ball rolling for the Crew but his talents extend far beyond that spot kick.
He was a constant menace, occupying the whole of the LAFC backline with his movement and intelligence.
Wilfried Nancy has described him as the most complete striker in the league. After tonight's performance, few will disagree.
Delight for Columbus Crew!
Wilfried Nancy has been married to his front-foot style of play this season and it has produced an MLS Cup trophy for Columbus Crew. They have been a thrilling proposition throughout 2023 and dominated the final against LAFC.
Incredible scenes in Ohio as players drop to their knees on the turf, drenched by the rain, and embrace each other in front of a delirious home crowd.
Columbus Crew have beaten holders LAFC and secured the third MLS Cup in franchise history.
FULL TIME!
The final whistle goes and Columbus Crew are MLS Cup champions!
LAFC have it back and look to launch one final attack, but is there time?
Ramirez takes the ball to the corner flag and, after some pushing a shoving, wins his side a corner.
Huge roars from the home crowd grow louder as Ramirez stokes the stands.
Brilliant turn from Bouanga on the left flank, looks to have made space for a cross but he is swamped by Columbus defenders.
They win the ball back and look to counter...
Wilfried Nancy has been sat on the bench for most of the game but now paces frantically on the edge of his technical box, barking instructions to his team.
Silly challenge from Palencio gives Columbus a free kick in their own half, a chance to kill some time and get the ball up the field.
Columbus win a goal kick and the noise in Lower.com Field raises a notch or two. The rain is pouring down now but the home crowd can see MLS Cup glory on the horizon.
Huge appeals for a penalty for Columbus!
Ramirez did well on the counter and was clipped on the edge of the box. The referee says no foul but the replay shows that the Crew forward was clipped.
But, as the incident was just outside the penalty area, VAR cannot intervene!
The Crew are looking a little ragged now, sitting deeper and punting the ball forward when they get the chance.
There will be a minimum of seven minutes of added time at the end of this MLS Cup final!
Can LAFC muster a leveller?
A final change for Columbus as Rossi is replaced by Molino.
LAFC hurl a dangerous cross into the penalty box. Murillo wins the first ball but Chiellini can't quite latch on to it.
The Italian bumps into Schulte in the process and the Crew goalkeeper takes a theatrical tumble. Chiellini, it is fair to say, is not impressed.
Golden chance for Diego Rossi!
Brilliant play from Matan on the left to skip past his man and pull the ball back to Rossi. He swings a left boot at the ball but scuffs his effort and it goes behind for a goal kick.
Final two changes for LAFC.
Ilie Sanchez and Diego Sanchez are coming off, Mario Sanchez and Palencia enter the fray.
Another brave call from Nancy. Cucho's presence up front has been invaluable and he would be a certain penalty taker if the situation arose.
Another double change for the Crew, Hernandez and Farsi are coming off.
Christian Ramirez and Julian Gressel replace them.
Good play from Cucho Hernandez to hold up the ball for the Crew and win a free kick from Palacios. The Crew win a free kick on the touchline.
It did look like Nagbe was tiring, but taking off the captain at this stage is a massive call from Wilfried Nancy.
Double change for Columbus Crew, Zawadzki and Cheberko are coming on for Yeboah and Nagbe.
We're into the final ten minutes of the 90 now, but there will be plenty of added time at the end.
That Bouanga goal has certainly change the mood at Lower.com Field.
In the aftermath of that Bouanga goal, LAFC made another sub.
Kellyn Acosta has been replaced by young Filip Krastev.
That goal looks to have given LAFC fresh impetus and they go in search of another.
The Crew come back up the other end and Cucho Hernandez has a sight at goal, but it's well-blocked from Murillo. Corner kick to Columbus.
Schulte will be able to continue, but he certainly took a whack. We'll have to see how that affects him in the remainder of the game.
Real concern for the Crew now as Patrick Schulte is down receiving treatment. The Crew goalkeeper took a knock while trying to keep that goal out.
It looks like he'll be ok to continue.
LAFC are starting to push forward more and it was a clipped ball into the box that found Bouanga in space on the left side of the box. Schulte did brilliantly to save the first effort but Bouanga was sharp up to snaffle up the rebound.
Goooooaaaal! LAFC
LAFC are back in the game and it's Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga! It's his record-tying 38th goal of the season and it could be the most important of the lot.
Game on!
LAFC are on the offensive with space for Olivera. He curls in a cross but Amundsen heads clear.
The visitors come back again with Bouanga on the left. He does brilliantly to skip past Farsi and fire across the face of goal, but there's no one there to convert!
There's little over 20 minutes left of normal time and we're still yet to see any significant change from either side. When will Cherundolo roll the dice and push more men forward?
Denis Bouanga shows neat footwork on the left to skips past a Columbus defender but Steven Moreira does well to get back and pinch the ball.
Brilliant play from Aidan Morris to bring the ball out of defence for the Crew. He and Nagbe have been exceptional in the midfield so far.
Ilie Sanchez (LAFC)
The Spanish midfielder is the latest to get a booking, for that tackle on Nagbe.
The game is becoming slightly niggly now, with a number of cheap fouls in the midfield.
Darlington Nagbe is the latest to be felled, about 40 yards from goal. Quality play from the Crew captain.
Bouanga goes up against Murillo and pinches the ball off the Crew defender 30 yards from goal. He looks to be in on goal but the referee blows for a foul.
The LAFC forward is not happy but it was probably a foul. Albeit, a soft one.
The Crew are, in theory, in control now, but their front-foot style will not allow them to ease off. They continue to commit men forward, always looking for the next goal and leaving gaps on the counter is LAFC can take advantage.
Cristian Olivera does well to skip past a Columbus tackle but the assistant's flag is up on the far side.
Vela clips the free kick into the box and Murillo wins the first ball, knocking it down to Bouanga. He hits it first time but it flies over the crossbar.
A first shot of the night for the Golden Boot winner.
Malte Amundsen
The Crew defender is booked for that tackle on Vela.
We hit the hour mark and LAFC are starting to enjoy a little spell of possession.
They play the ball around midfield, until Amundsen clips Vela. Free kick to LAFC.
No second yellow for Tillman, and he is immediately substituted by Steve Cherundolo.
He is replaced by Matteusz Bogusz.
There's a big collusion in the midfield that leaves Rossi crumpled on the ground. He was on the receiving end of a late challenge from Tillman, who has already been booked.
The Crew crowd are demanding a second yellow card!
Another long ball forward from LAFC drops at the feet of Carlos Vela on the edge of the box. He hits the ball sweetly but Schulte gets down well to save.
Chance for LAFC, a long ball to Bouanga that finds its way through to Olivera.
Just as the forward is about to shoot Amundsen gets back to make a brilliant sliding block. Sensational defending from the Columbus man.
The Crew work the ball out to Aidan Morris who tries his luck from 30 yards. Easy save for Crepau.
More good play from Cucho Hernandez on the right wins a corner kick for his team...
Timothy Tillman
The LAFC midfielder is booked after a late tackle on Nagbe, although thecard appeared to be the result of a culmination of offences.
Kellyn Acosta is a little over-eager in the midfield and gives away a free kick. That's better from LAFC though, trying to make things difficult for the hosts.
The Crew are turning the screw once again, looking to bury LAFC at the start of the second half.
The movement between Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi is proving too much for the LAFC backline to deal with and the Columbus wingbacks are finding so much space.
Carlos Vela
The LAFC captain is booked for a nasty tackle on Cucho.
Cucho is hacked down but the Crew play on with Yeboah, who charges into the box and clips the ball past Crepau. LAFC need a spectacular clearance from Palacios to prevent a third.
Carlos Vela clips the ball forward from deep but the Crew defend brilliantly.
The Crew are on the attack now, with Cucho...
Nearly a third for the Crew as Cucho Hernandez fires a dangerous low ball across the face of goal, forcing Acosta to make a desperate recovery block. LAFC get the ball clear, but it's a good start from the hosts.
LAFC needed a big response in the second half but it's the Crew starting fastest!
And we're back!
The second half of the 2023 MLS Cup Final is underway. It all comes down to this...
WATCH: Amundsen and Yeboah combine to double advantage
Wow! What a pass from Malte Amundsen to find the on-rushing Yeboah and give the Crew a two-goal lead. It was a sensational pass from Columbus but the result of a dominant first half showing from the team, pulling LAFC from side to side.
It's Wilfried Nancy's way of playing and it's working for the Crew so far.
WATCH: Cucho Hernandez gives Columbus the lead
Columbus Crew dominated from the start but it took a 31st-minute penalty from Cucho Hernandez to open the scoring. The Columbian forward has a brilliant record from the spot and he made no mistake on the biggest stage.
Well, what can you say about that?
Columbus head coach Wilfried Nancy can scarcely have dreamt of a better first half that that. His side completely dominated the opening 45 minutes and have a deserved 2-0 lead at the break.
For LAFC, huge improvement is needed if they are to get back into this game. What will Steve Cherundolo do at the break?
Columbus clear the corner kick and that'll be it for the first half!
Half time in Ohio, the Crew are 45 minutes away from a third MLS Cup!
LAFC come forward one more time, a brilliant run from Bouanga. He plays the ball out to the left and Palacios tries to play across the face of goal.
It takes a deflection and bounces agonisingly wide of the post. Corner to LAFC...
Chiellini tries to play the ball forward to Olivera but his pass is cut out.
Even the experienced Italian looks off the pace for LAFC today.
Again, the Crew play the corner short and look to keep possession. Acosta tries to win the ball back for LAFC but gives away a free kick on the halfway line.
More good play from Diego Rossi, who wins another corner kick from the Crew.
There will be another three minutes of this breathless first half.
LAFC win a free kick inside the Crew half.
Carlos Vela dinks the ball in and LAFC win the first ball, causing a moment of panic in the box. Schulte eventually comes out to grab the ball and launch a counter-attack with Cucho.
Vela does brilliantly to get back and clear the danger.
Neat turn from Bouanga to skip past Yeboah but he's quickly caught and dispossessed by Moreira. The LAFC forward has had very little to work with so far.
The Crew have a two-goal lead but they are continuing to push, manipulating the ball from side to side. Yeboah and Farsi are always available as out out-ball on the wings, keeping things moving for the hosts.
Darling Nagbe is fouled in the midfield, winning a free kick about 40 yards from goal.
The LAFC wingers, Bouanga and Olivera, have switched sides.
A testament to the need for LAFC to change something, anything, after a poor opening 40 minutes.
First chance for Olivera to run at the Crew defence, getting to the touchline and pulling back a cross to the edge. Bouanga finds Hollingshead but his driven cross evades everyone and goes out for a goal kick.
Goooooaaaal! Columbus Crew
The hosts double their lead with a goal of real quality!
Moreira fizzed a brilliantly pass through the entire LAFC team, finding Yeboah running in on goal. The wing-back approached Crepau and poked the ball past the LAFC keeper.
Sensational goal from the Crew!
Heavy rain is falling now but the home fans won't be worried about that. Incredible atmosphere at Lower.com Field now!
Was there really any doubt? The Colombian forward extends his personal penalty record to 11 from the last 11, and this must be the most important of the lot.
The Crew has dominated and have their lead. What do LAFC do now?
Goooooaaaal! Columbus Crew
Cucho Hernandez rolls the penalty home and Columbus Crew take a well-deserved lead!
It will be Cucho Hernandez to take the spot kick, looking to open the scoring in the MLS Cup final...
LAFC are furious about the decision, imploring the referee to consult with VAR.
But the VAR officials have already concluded their review, it's a penalty!
PENALTY: Columbus Crew
Handball in the box, Diego Palacios!
It looked harsh, but it clipped his hand. Penalty to Columbus Crew!
LAFC clear the corner, but the Crew are right back at them. They find Matan on the edge of the box and Chiellini is forced to charge out of defence to block the danger.
Columbus are back on the offensive with Farsi on the right. Cucho does brilliantly to slip the ball through to Farsi but Palacios just gets back to clear the danger.
Corner kick to Columbus...
Strong running from Yeboah on the right flank but he can't quite conjure a real chance from his effort.
Clever play from Diego Rossi to jink through the midfield and hit a low shot towards the near post, looking to catch Crepau out. It hits the side netting, but it was good play from Rossi.
LAFC are really struggling to get up the field and build any play. The intensity of the Crew press is strangling the holders and making life difficult.
And just as I write that, there's a first half-chance for Carlos Vela. He hits a first-time shot from 18 yards out but it's blocked by a Crew defender.
Close! Cucho Hernandez finds space on the edge of the box and lashes a fierce right-footed shot towards goal.
It flies just wide of Crepau's right post but it certainly has the LAFC keeper worried.
The hosts play the corner short but it's wasted. LAFC win a goal kick and a chance to release the pressure.
Columbus Crew win a corner kick but Aidan Morris is down after getting a knock.
He'll be fine to continue. Rossi to take the corner...
Ryan Hollingshead wins a good aerial ball in the middle of the field but, again, it's the Crew who pounce on the loose ball and regain possession.
This Columbus time often give the impression of having 12 men on the field.
We really haven't seen much from LAFC so far, highlighting how well the Crew have started.
Farsi does well in a one-on-one against Bouanga, winning a free kick off the LAFC forward.
Strong running from Nagbe to bring the ball out of defence.
Columbus are look a little more patient now after a lightening-fast start, but still dominating the ball.
Diego Rossi does well to hold off Sanchez and keep the ball. The home crowd are enjoying Rossi's performance so far.
First half chance of the final!
Mohamed Farsi whips in a cross from the right, finding the head of Moreira. He tries to flick the ball goalwards but gets the angles wrong and it flies out for a goal kick.
Columbus well on top now.
Cucho Hernandez has shown his versatility so far, drifting out to the flanks to pick up unusually positions and force the LAFC defenders to decide whether or not to follow. He's leaving space for Diego Rossi to exploit in behind, another headache for the LAFC backline.
LAFC's front three combine as Bouanga plays a raking ball across to Vela, who backheels neatly to Olivera. For a second it looks like he might have space for a shot but Crew do well to block the angle.
Camacho gives away a foul on Vela on the halfway line, LAFC look to play quickly and get on the offensive.
It comes to nothing. LAFC have looked a little rushed in their play in the opening stages.
Brilliant counter-attack from the Crew finds Cucho in space on the right. He fires in a teasing low cross but Giorgio Chiellini does brilliantly to get back and block the delivery.
Top defending from the Italian.
First bit of possession for LAFC now but the ball is soon lofted, rather aimlessly, towards Vela. Crew clear easily.
The Crew are pinning LAFC back on the edge of their own box, showing good patience to move the ball from side to side.
Aidan Morris charges into the box and is felled by Murillo, but referee waves away the appeals.
Columbus are looking composed in the opening staged, dominating possession in their typical style.
Good hold-up play from Cucho Hernandez finds Rossi on the edge of the box. He takes a shot but it's blocked by Chiellini, out for a Crew corner.
Ambitious through ball from Carmacho, looking for a central run of Yeboah from the left. LAFC get across well to clear the danger.
Throw-in to LAFC.
Palacios gives away a free kick on the halfway line for a clumsy challenge on former LAFC star Diego Rossi.
No love lost there!
Intense start to the game with tackles flying in from both sides.
Denis Bouanga gets the ball on the left flank for the first time but he's well-marshalled by the Crew defence, drawing a huge roar from the home support.
Incredible noise in Lower.com Stadium for this one, stands packed with the yellow and black of Columbus Crew. The Nordecke supporters group are certainly making themselves heard!
And we're off!
The 2023 MLS Cup Final is officially underway...
The teams are out, the stands are packed, the stage is set.
We're nearly ready for kick-off in the 2023 MLS Cup Final!
The Columbus Crew supporters unveil a tifo claiming to be "The original Black and Gold".
It's nearly time!
The teams are out at Lower.com Field for the 2023 MLS Cup. There's a capacity crowd in Ohio and the Columbus Crew support are making quite the noise.
This looks set to be a cracker!
Kick-off at Lower.com Field is fast approaching now and the stands are packed with expectant supporters. Columbus Crew had a few issues with ticket sales earlier this week but it's good to see that the home support has packed out the stadium.
We're just minutes away from the 2023 MLS Cup...
LAFC stars put through their paces
Is there a more devastating attacking duo in MLS than Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela?
Well incredibly, the former can equal the latter's MLS single-season scoring record with a goal today. Bouanga is currently on 37, while Vela struck 38 in the 2019 season.
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USMNT midfielder Kellyn Acosta starts for LAFC today in the MLS Cup Final, looking to win back-to-back titles. Acosta, who opened the scoring in last year's final, revealed earlier this week that he believes LAFC can build a dynasty in MLS.
He said: “People like winners. If you look at other sports, people might not know much about the Patriots but they like them. The Warriors, the Lakers; we’re trying to keep that tradition alive here in LA."
Atmosphere builds in Columbus
Few expected Columbus Crew to mount a series title charge this season, but new head coach Wilfried Nancy has exceeded all expectations in his first year in charge. He is beloved by the Columbus fanbase and they will be looking to make themselves heard today!
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We will be bringing you full live coverage right here, but Spanish-speaking fans can also get minute-by-minute updates from AS USA Latino...
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The 2023 MLS Cup Final brings together two of the strongest squads in the league, both bursting with experienced stars and thrilling forwards. From Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga, to three-time MLS Cup champion Darlington Nagbe, here are the players to watch out for...
Columbus Crew midfield looking to drive them to glory
Wilfried Nancy's front-foot, progressive style has won plaudits and plenty of points in his maiden season with Columbus Crew, but their success has been built on very solid foundations. The midfield duo of Darlington Nagbe and Aidan Morris have a lot of ground to cover in the middle of the park but their dynamism and reading of the game make them the engine room of this Crew side.
LAFC co-owner meets the fans
As we saw in a recent social media video, LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell is savouring every moment of the MLS Cup. The Hollywood legend is out on the streets in Columbus to meet the hardcore LAFC supporters who made the trip to Ohio for today's game.
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No surprises so far as both teams named unchanged sides, but there is certain to be plenty of drama once the action starts in around an hour's time.
We will be bringing you full live coverage of the 2023 MLS Cup Final, but you can also watch or stream all the action with Apple TV and the MLS Season Pass. Here's everything you need to know...
No changes for LAFC in MLS Cup Final
As expected, LAFC also name an unchanged side for the game. Carlos Vela captains the side in what could be his final appearance for the club, flanked by Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera.
LAFC set to name unchanged side
No team news from the MLS Cup holders just yet, but we're expecting more of the same from Steve Cherundolo's side. LAFC are expected to stick with the experienced Giorgio Chiellini at the back, in place of Aaraon Long.
Columbus Crew starting XI
Here's how Wilfried Nancy's team line up this evening. It's a full-strength starting XI, unchanged from the Eastern Conference final victory over Cincinnati.
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It's Columbus Crew Day, officially!
Earlier today Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that he had designated Saturday, 9 December 2023 as Columbus Crew Day to mark their MLS Cup clash against LAFC.
The demand for tickets has been extraordinary and the atmosphere at Lower.com Field should be something special.
LAFC sights set on back-to-back titles
And here are the visitors, reigning MLS Cup champions LAFC. Steve Cherundolo's side struggled for consistency in the regular season but they have shown their class in the playoffs, beating Seattle Sounders and Open Cup winners Houston Dynamo on the way to MLS Cup.
Hosts arrive for 2023 MLS Cup
Wilfried Nancy's Columbus Crew side are on home turf and looking confident as they step off the team bus. The Eastern Conference champions receive a rapturous reception from their adoring home support and are looking to bring the title back to Ohio after three years away.
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Today's final brings together two teams of high quality, but with very different back-stories. Columbus were one of MLS' original founding clubs, while LAFC are one of the more recent arrivals in the league.
Nevertheless, they have achieved pretty impressive success during their time in MLS...
LAFC focused on another MLS Cup triumph
Steve Cherundolo's side are looking to become the first team in a decade to retain MLS Cup, something that would see them join a select group of teams to go back-to-back. They can call upon experienced stars like Carlos Vela and Giorgio Chiellini, but no one is taking success at Lower.com Field for granted.
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Columbus Crew and LAFC go head-to-head in the MLS Cup final at Lower.com Field on Saturday, where the Major League Soccer season will come to a close and the new champion will be crowned.
LAFC are the reigning champions, but Columbus Crew have their own history of MLS Cup triumphs. Here's everything you need to know...
Home support making itself known
The streets of Columbus are alive today as the city prepares to host the 2023 MLS Cup. Earlier today Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Saturday, 9 December 2023 is officially Columbus Crew Day and the home support will be hoping that they really have something to celebrate later this evening.
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we will be bringing you full live coverage of the 2023 MLS Cup Final.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be taking you through all the action from Lower.com Field as Columbus Crew take on LAFC.
This year's final looks set to be one of the most thrilling we've seen, with two high-quality, evenly-balanced teams battling it out.