Columbus Crew 3-1 LAFC: summary, score, goals, highlights Leagues Cup final
Columbus Crew - LAFC: As it happened
Columbus Crew are Leagues Cup champions!
They were made to work hard for it but Columbus Crew got the job done and claimed their first piece of silverware of 2024, beating LAFC in the Leagues Cup final.
The Crew were on top for most of the first half and took the lead through Cucho Hernandez shortly before the break. The Columbus crowd was jubilant but they were silenced midway through the second half when Olivier Giroud levelled for LAFC, his first goal for the team.
The two sides went punch-for-punch as the clock ticked away but it was Columbus who found the knock-out blow, delivered by Cucho in second half stoppage time. The Colombian drifted inside from the left flank and curled in a cross that evaded everyone - including Hugo Lloris - and nestled in the LAFC net.
Just moments after completing his brace Cucho turned provider to lay on a third for Jacen Russell-Rose, wrapping up the 2024 Leagues Cup and underlining his reputation as one of the league's biggest talents.
The moment Columbus Crew clinched Leagues Cup title
They've seen plenty of success at Lower.com Field in the past 18 months, but there's not been much to rival the scenes as Jacen Russell-Rowe slotted home Columbus' third goal this evening.
A fitting ending to a thrilling game, with the Leagues Cup trophy lifted by the best team on the night. The Crew supporters will be celebrating late into the night!
Nagbe full of praise for Cucho Hernandez
"What can you say? Two assists and a goal. He always finds a way. He does the individual stuff, he makes things happen."
The Columbus Crew claim Leagues Cup after a thrilling win over LAFC. But how much do they earn for their victory?
You may be surprised...
Watch: Cucho Hernandez brace wins Leagues Cup
There's more to his game than just the goals, but it was the goals of Cucho Hernandez that proved decisive for Columbus Crew this evening. A brilliant all-round performance from the Crew No. 9 capped by this dramatic late winner.
Columbus Crew rejoice!
The Leagues Cup is yellow and black!
It was a hard-fought game but Wilfried Nancy's MLS Cup champions were the better team across the 90 minutes. Most importantly, they were the ones who had the quality to find the breakthrough and snatch the trophy.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeep
Columbus Crew are the 2024 Leagues Cup champions!
Full time at Lower.com Field and the Crew are the winners, beating LAFC to a title for the second time in less than a year.
Columbus Crew 3-1 LAFC
The Columbus fans in the stands are all on their feet, willing their team home for these last few moments. A winners' performance from the Crew!
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Jacen Russell-Rowe
LAFC charge forward in search of a leveller but the Crew catch them on the break. Lightening link-up between Cucho Hernandez and Russell-Rose and the youngster finishes coolly.
Cucho does it again!
The Columbian picked up the ball on the left and curled a cross into the box. The ball arced away from the LAFC defender and bounced past Hugo Lloris! The Crew lead.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAALL! Cucho Hernadez
Incredible! The Columbus Crew No. 9 does it again and may well have won his team another trophy!
The Crew win a free kick on the left win in a good crossing position.
Matan curls it in but Chanot dives forward to head the ball away.
We're going to have 4 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half.
Then, straight to penalties.
A foul is called in the box and another opportunity slips past. At this stage, a goal now would probably win it..
After another good attack, LAFC win a throw-in near the Columbus box. Hollingshead prepares to hurl in a long throw...
As we approach the 90th minute, players' thoughts will surely be turning to the prospect of a penalty shoot-out now.
The game is getting a bit stretched now, with both teams looking leggy. You sense that there will be at least one more big chance in this game. Can someone take it?
A strong challenge on Denis Bouanga gets the home crowd on their feet again. They want this finished in normal time.
Nearly a disaster at the back for Columbus!
A long ball forward isn't properly dealt with and Cristian Oliviera darts in to poke a shot past Hagen, but just wide of the post.
The Crew clear the initial cross and break up-field, led by Diego Rossi. He charges over the halfway line and tries to play Russell-Rose in on goal.
Out of nowhere, Timothy Tillman launches into a brilliant recovering tackle and halts the attack.
Good work from Palencia on the right flank for LAFC. He wins his team a free kick in a dangerous crossing position.
We're back underway on the field now, entering the final stages of this engrossing Leagues Cup final.
There's another change for LAFC. Tonight's goalscorer Olivier Giroud is replaced by 39-year-old Kei Kamara. Some much-needed experience for the LAFC attack...
What happens if this game finishes level at the end of the regulation 90 minutes? Here's everything you need to know...
Just a quarter of an hour remaining now, time for another cooling break.
A last chance for coaches to offer guidance. Can either team nudge themselves ahead?
It's a double change from Wilfried Nancy. Ramirez and Camacho come off. Cherberko and Russell-Rose replace them.
Bouanga's cross is a good one but the Crew head it clear. Time for a change for Columbus now...
Hollingshead gets to his feet but it'll be a free kick to LAFC. On the left flank, Bouanga to deliver...
Not sure what's happened here but Ryan Hollingshead has gone down holding his face after a clash with Mohamed Farsi near the touchline.
Huge chance for Christian Ramirez!
A golden chance!
Cucho Hernandez picks up the ball and floats a pin-point pass into the box. Teammate Christian Ramirez has a free header from six yards out but his effort is saved by Hugo Lloris.
That should be 2-1 Columbus!
As we approach the final 20 minutes, this one's impossible to call.
Columbus have looked like the better team across the first 70 minutes, but you sense that things are shifting in favour of Steve Cherundolo's side now.
The game's getting a bit messy now, with both teams losing possession in quick succession. You sense that this confusion, this chaos, might suit LAFC a bit more.
Can they fashion a chance for their lethal forward players?
Watch: Olivier Giroud goal levels for LAFC
The Columbus Crew had dominated much of the first hour in the Leagues Cup final but the scores are level thanks to Olivier Giroud's first LAFC goal. What a time to get it!
Double change as LAFC look to build on this momentum. Ilie Sanchez and Mateusz Bogusz come off. Timothy Tillman and Cristian Oliviera replace them.
That goal has really given LAFC a shot of confidence. They're enjoying their best spell of possession in the game now, finally playing on the front foot.
Things are getting feisty now. The referee calls a series of soft fouls in quick succession, each of which raises the frustration.
We're in for a real game now!
VAR decision - GOAL!
Olivier Giroud's first goal for LAFC will stand!
It's 1-1. Game on.
VAR - Foul in the box
Hold on...
There's a Columbus player down in the box, it's Camacho, and the VAR officials are checking for a foul.
It would be very harsh...
GOOOOOAAAAAAALL! Olivier Giroud
We're level!
The Frenchman rises highest and flicks the ball into the back of the net. No chance for the Crew keeper. As easy as that!
There's a chance for Denis Bouanga to run at the Crew backline now and he wins his team a corner kick.
Is the momentum starting to shift?
The run from Bogusz was mistimed but that should give Steve Cherundolo's side real confidence. It was a swift attacking movement that fashioned the chance, exactly as they'd planned.
LAFC goal - OFFSIDE
There's a brilliant cushioned touch from Giroud to play in Bogusz behind the Columbus Crew defence. The Pole pokes the ball past Nicholas Hagen but the flag is up. It won't stand!
That's better, though, from LAFC.
This will be a test for LAFC now, forced to rest after two changes at the start of the second half.
You wonder how long Olivier Giroud will be able to last for, toiling away up front.
Jesus Murillo hobbles from the field. He's replaced by Eddie Segura.
There's a pause in the game as Jesus Murillo stays down on the edge of his own box. The medical staff are on, it looks like he'll need to be substituted.
Maxime Chanot
Late challenge from Chanot on Cucho Hernandez as he sprints down the left wing. A booking for the LAFC defender.
Diego Rossi picks up the ball in a pocket of space in the LAFC half. He skips past a challenge and into the box.
Rossi slips the ball to Arfsten on the left but his cross into the box is a poor one.
Interestingly, Bouanga is starting out on the right flank once again.
No obvious tactical changes for either team.
And we're back!
The second half is underway in the Leagues Cup final.
Yep. Confirmation of that change, it's Lewis O'Brien on for Eduard Atuesta.
No other substitutions at the break.
LAFC prepare halftime substitution
Newly-arrived midfielder Lewis O'Brien looks to be coming on for LAFC. Likely for Eduard Atuesta, who has been booked and looked frustrated for much of the first half.
Watch: Columbus fans celebrate Cucho Hernandez goal
The atmosphere was growing throughout the first half and, first the halftime break drawing near, Columbus Crew finally found the breakthrough.
Will they look to sit back and protect their lead in the second 45? With Wilfried Nancy in charge, not a chance.
Columbus Crew in control at halftime
The hosts are ahead in this Leagues Cup final and few would argue that they don't deserve it. Wilfried Nancy's team have enjoyed the lion's share of possession and restricted LAFC to only an occasional foray up-field.
LAFC have been resolute in their defence, often playing with seven men around their own box, but the Crew have so many ways to hurt opposition teams.
Watch: Crew lead through Cucho header
The Columbian striker had shown his work-rate, his intelligence and his creativity during the first half, but hadn't managed to fashion a sight at goal. That all changed shortly before the break when Cucho Hernandez headed home to give his side the lead.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeep
Halftime at Lower.com Field. Columbus have a well-deserved lead at the break!
There's a yellow tint in the smoke-filled air as the home crowd kick the celebrations up a level.
We're going to have two minutes of stoppage time.
The corner kick was clear but Columbus recycle possession well and find Farsi in space in the box. He looks up and clips a cross towards the back post, where Cucho Hernandez emerges through the crowd to power the ball past Lloris!
Columbus Crew have a deserved lead.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Cucho Hernandez
A thumping header from the Columbian gives Columbus Crew the lead! The home crowd goes wild!
Huge cheers from the home support as some good running from Cucho wins a corner kick. Can the Crew fashion a chance before the break?
Eduard Atuesta picks up the ball in midfield and tries an overly ambitious more forward, succeeding only in hoofing the ball back to LAFC.
Rare foray forward from LAFC.
They progress well down the right and curl in a cross toward Bouanga in the middle. He can't get his head on the cross and the Crew clear.
Want to know a little more about the man in the middle? Here's Oshane Nation, referee for the Leagues Cup final...
Referee Oshane Nation has a word with Cucho and Atuesta, trying to cool things down.
Diego Rossi takes the free kick but it's a poor one, easily booted clear at the near post.
Boos ring around the stadium as Cucho Hernandez is bounced into the advertising boards by a strong tackle from Murillo.
There's a bit of afters now between Cucho and Atuesta.
The Crew win a free kick on the edge of the LAFC box. Good spot for a cross...
More good hold-up play from Giroud, this time combining with Atuesta. That's the only way for LAFC to get out at the moment.
Eduard Atuesta
Second booking of the game goes to the LAFC midfielder for a late challenge on Darlington Nagbe. A bit of frustration showing there.
Sumptuous touch from Giroud to trap a long ball and bring Bogusz into the game. The Pole charges into the Crew box but Farsi does brilliantly to get back and rob him of the ball.
We're back underway after that water break. No discernible changes to either team, but we'll see how things develop.
Both teams will need to take on fluids in these sweltering summer conditions in Columbus, but it's also a chance for the coaches to offer some advice to their teams.
Nancy, in particular, is frantically moving magnets around on his tactics board.
Cooling break
After a bit of confusion as both benches awaited the pre-agreed cooling break. Referee Oshane Nation acquiesces.
Denis Bouanga and Malte Amundsen battle for a ball together near the Crew corner flag. The LAFC forward wins his team a throw-in, a chance for them to get a rest.
LAFC are forced to fly into a couple of strong tackles on the edge of their own box to prevent Cucho making it through. The visitors are looking stretched now.
Columbus Crew really starting to take control now, enjoying long spells of possession in the LAFC half.
The corner kick is cleared but lands at the feet of Darlington Nagbe.
The Crew captain takes aim but his volley bounces just wide of the post.
More good work from Cucho, leading the Crew forward in a swift counter-attack. Murillo gets back to disrupt his run and LAFC get defenders back to block the shot from Arfsten.
Columbus corner kick...
First opening for Columbus Crew
The Crew build in midfield and find the feet of Cucho Hernandez, dropping deep. The Columbus No. 9 curls a brilliant through-ball towards Ramirez at the back post, but it's poked wide by a recovering defender.
First moment of real quality from Cucho!
Brilliant from Zawadzki to win the ball off Bogusz and get his team back on the offensive. LAFC are struggling to get out of their own half here.
Or is that just what they want you to think?
Late challenge from Giroud, overly eager to pinch the ball off Sean Zawadzki in the midfield.
It's getting a bit scrappy now.
The cross Rossi causes panic in the LAFC defence and there are appeals for a penalty kick as the ball bounces up and strikes a defender. Referee Oshane Nation waves away the protestations.
Columbus Crew win a free kick on the right flank, just yards from the touchline. A chance for Rossi to deliver with quality...
Ilie Sanchez is lucky to escape a booking for a late challenge on Darlington Nagbe. The Crew want a yellow card, and they might have a point there.
Another look at the two teams...
Here's the starting XI for LAFC and the Columbus Crew in Leagues Cup final.
While Atuesta is down receiving treatment, Wilfried Nancy beckons Darlington Nagbe over the the touchline and issues instructions. The Columbus boss is wasted no time.
Rudy Camacho
The Crew defender is booked for that late challenge on Atuesta. That's a concern for Columbus, with Camacho up against Bouanga on that flank.
The corner kick is a good one but it's headed clear. Columbus regain possession but there's a foul on Eduard Atuesta.
Free kick to LAFC.
A speculative shot from Darlington Nagbe is deflected behind for a corner kick.
Diego Rossi to take...
Aaron Long pulls back Cucho Hernandez in front of the technical areas. The Columbus captain hurls his arms in frustration but he wins the free kick.
LAFC have chance to break with Bouanga but he's crowded out on the halfway line.
Interestingly, Bouanga seems to be playing on the right for LAFC, with Bogusz stationed on the left. Switched sides for the LAFC widemen.
Brilliant interplay from Cucho and Farsi on the left flank for Columbus. They fashion some space for a shot but it's overhit by Cucho.
The free kick is close to the touchline, a good crossing position.
LAFC take it short to Bouanga but the Golden Boot holder can't make space for a shot. A chance wasted.
Powerful run from Bogusz down the left. He's clipped by Moreira as he approaches the Crew box.
Free kick to LAFC on the left.
LAFC look to pounce on a loose ball in the heart of the Crew defence. The hosts manage to clear, but they were put under pressure there.
Incredible noise from the Columbus fans, a really great atmosphere from the off.
LAFC are looking to get into Columbus from the off, making life difficult as the MLS Cup champs try to build through the middle. Giroud, impressively, organising the press from the front.
As expected, it's a fast-paced start with the Crew looking to play through the LAFC lines. Smoke drifts across the field.
And we're off!
The Crew gets things underway in Ohio...
What a noise!
As is traditional, the Crew faithful serenade their team with this Elvis Presley classic. If that doesn't inspire them...
First up, the national anthem
The national anthem of the United States will be sung by Ohio natives, Welshly Arms.
The team's are out!
Everyone in Lower.com Field is on their feet to greet the players of Columbus Crew and LAFC.
There's tifo. There's smoke. There's a fiery atmosphere to kick-start the Leagues Cup final!
Olivier Giroud ready for first LAFC start
The Frenchman only landed in the US earlier this month and he's already leading the line in a final! Olivier Giroud was given the nod by head coach Steve Cherundolo and he'll be desperate to have an impact.
Marching band takes to the field!
The first bit of on-field begins with a rousing performance from the Ohio State Marching Band. It's a high-octane start to the spectacle. Let's hope the sporting action can live up to that!
Manage to get a ticket for the 2024 Leagues Cup final? Presumably not, if you're ready this.
Here's how much the lucky fans in Lower.com Field tonight may have paid for the privilege...
Crew boss relishing Leagues Cup challenge
"This is something that we try to put when I took the team – to have a vision but also to think big and to achieve small things to write a legacy…The small steps that we've been putting all the time and we are still doing it, this is why I think that we for the moment are a winning team."
"This is not about the results. Winning team, for me, this is about the mentality that we have. Hopefully, it’s going to keep going, but I'm really proud of what we are doing here."
MLS Cup champs take to the field
Columbus Crew are out on the turf at Lower.com Field, beginning their warm-up ahead of the Leagues Cup final.
There's around 25 minutes to go until kick-off. The tension is rising now...
Who will win the Leagues Cup Golden Boot?
Tonight’s game sees two previous winners of the MLS Golden Boot go head-to-head. In 2020 Columbus’s Diego Rossi, then playing for LAFC, was crowned the league’s sharpest shooter. Now, Denis Bouanga is looking to retain his title from 2023. Fittingly, both players are tied at the top of the Leagues Cup scoring charts for 2024 with six goals apiece. Which will come out on top today?
Across the two-year stint of Leagues Cup in its new, expanded format, Bouanga is the record scorer. He recently overtook Lionel Messi, who struck ten goals in his incredible 2023 Leagues Cup-winning run.
Columbus Crew get home advantage for tonight's Leagues Cup final. But why?
Here's everything you need to know about the points ranking system for the 2024 Leagues Cup...
Steve Cherundolo's team are hitting form. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The treble is on for LAFC
LAFC can reach a second final of the year within the next few days. They will play an Open Cup semi-final on Wednesday, August 28, on the road against the Seattle Sounders. They are now 22-5-6 in all competitions in 2024. The club is 14-5-5 in MLS play, 3-0-0 in the U.S. Open Cup and now 5-0-1 in Leagues Cup.
And, of course, don't rule them out for MLS Cup later this year.
Confirmed Columbus Crew team news!
Here it is, the starting XI selected by Wilfried Nancy.
As mentioned, the big news is the absence of USMTN goalkeeper Patrick Schulte. Nicholas Hagen starts in his place.
Columbus is alive for Leagues Cup final!
What a sight! The city of Columbus has seen plenty of success in the past 18 months and the Crew support are looking to add to their trophy cabinet this evening. We could be in for a cracking atmosphere at Lower.com Field!
LAFC boss ready for Columbus Crew challenge
“I just think there were not great moments [when] we have played them. We didn't have good performances. I'm not concerned about matchups or tactics."
"It's all pretty clear. It's about individual performances. The first two matches against them, we had some poor ones and the other night [against Colorado] we had great ones.”
Goalkeeping change for Columbus Crew
More big team news! It looks like Columbus Crew will go for back-up keeper Nicholas Hagen between the sticks this evening, starting ahead of USMNT stopper Patrick Schulte.
More on that as we get it...
Olivier Giroud plays for LAFC
Confirmation of the big news ahead of kick-off. Olivier Giroud makes his first start for LAFC, coming in the final of the Leagues Cup.
Wilfried Nancy pays tribute to Diego Rossi
Diego Rossi is in the running to clinch the Golden Boot at the 2024 Leagues Cup, with six goals from just four appearances in this year's competition. Speaking ahead of the final, Wilfried Nancy was full of praise for the Crew forward.
The Columbus head coach said: "Diego is an example of the day-to-day work, the humility to do the job and the humility to do the dirty job. And also, he’s coachable."
"He’s a really good example in terms of work ethic and of a leadership, a quiet leadership. This is also something that I like with Diego."
LAFC look for revenge against Columbus Crew
Nine months on from the 2023 MLS Cup, Columbus Crew and LAFC meet again in another major tournament final. The Crew and LAFC played out a fascinating final last year, with Wilfried Nancy’s side carving out an impressive 2-1 victory over the reigning holders. Can LAFC get their own back tonight? They certainly boast the attacking threat to give any team in MLS major headaches…
Leagues Cup final team news!
We're still awaiting official confirmation, but it looks like this is how the two times will line up this evening.
The big news is that Olivier Giroud looks set to make his first start for LAFC. Will he prove the hero for LAFC tonight?
Will Olivier Giroud start for LAFC?
While we await team news, the central striking spot for LAFC is the main point of contention.
Will Steve Cherundolo stick with Kei Kamara, who scored in the semi-final victory over Colorado Rapids? Or will he opt to give Olivier Giroud his first start in Black and Gold?
“It's certainly possible,” Cherundolo said of a potential start for Giroud. “I guess we'll wait and see.”
Atmosphere heating up in Columbus
We're less than 60 minutes away from kick-off in the 2024 Leagues Cup final and the home crowd is in great voice. Columbus Crew fans saw their team lift MLS Cup against LAFC last year, can they repeat that success against the same opponents?
Kick-off in Columbus is just over an hour away now. Pre-game preparations are well underway at Lower.com Field, have you made yours?
We'll be bringing you full live coverage of Columbus Crew - LAFC right here, but you can also stream the final online. Here's everything you need to know...
RECAP: Diego Rossi brace fires Crew into final
He's one of the undoubted stars of this sparkling Columbus Crew team and Diego Rossi really showed his worth in Wednesday's Leagues Cup semi-final against the Philadelphia Union. Rossi scored twice, the second this stunning individual goal, to put the Crew in the driving seat at Lower.com Field.
RECAP: LAFC breeze past Colorado Rapids in Leagues Cup semi-final
The Black and Gold took a little time to get going in 2024 but, when they're up and running, they are very difficult to stop.
LAFC brushed the Colorado Rapids aside in a comfortable semi-final win earlier this week, with a series of brilliant goals from the 2022 MLS Cup winners.
LAFC take in the sights of Columbus
It's game day, but that doesn't mean that there isn't time for LAFC to enjoy a wonder through the streets of Columbus, Ohio.
Nine months on from their MLS Cup defeat in the same stadium, LAFC are looking for payback and some silverware of their own.
Here's what they're fighting for...
The Leagues Cup. Last year it ended up in the hands of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. Which of Columbus Crew and LAFC will became the second team to get their names etched on the revamped Leagues Cup trophy?
And in the other corner...
Few teams in MLS history boast the sort of attacking talent that LAFC have at their disposal. There's reigning Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga. Young star Cristian Oliviera. There's Mateusz Bogusz, with an explosive strike from distance. The evergreen Kei Kamara.
Oh, and the small matter of World Cup winner Olivier Giroud. Tough decisions for head coach Steve Cherundolo...
Anyway, onto the team news.
First up, hosts Columbus Crew. Head coach Wilfried Nancy has been praised for implemented such a clear style of play in his Columbus team; an aggressive, front-foot system that saw them crowned MLS Cup champions in 2023.
However Nancy isn't afraid to rotate his players and has coaxed starring performances from fringe players during his time at the club. What does he have up his sleeve for this evening?
The scene is set in Columbus
Once again, Lower.com Field in Columbus will play host to a major sporting event. Following on from last year's MLS Cup and the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, Columbus Crew will take on LAFC in the final of the Leagues Cup.
The most fervent of Columbus fans will be housed in the famous 'Nordecke' stand, looking to roar their team onto victory against their rivals from the West.
Hello and welcome to our live minute-by-minute coverage of the 2024 Leagues Cup final!
The 47 top flight teams from the United States and Mexico have been whittled down to just two; Columbus Crew and LAFC. We'll have full updates of all the action from Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
I'm Will Gittins, MLS writer for AS USA, and I'll be bringing you the latest news and information. Away we go!