Columbus Crew Clinch MLS Cup 2023: A Masterclass in Possession Football
In a dazzling display of possession-centric football, the Columbus Crew secured the MLS Cup 2023 with a 2-1 victory over LAFC at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Head coach Wilfried Nancy's team, renowned for their bold style, produced a masterclass performance to claim the ultimate prize in Major League Soccer.
The rain-soaked Lower.com Field witnessed a thrilling encounter, as Columbus clinched their third MLS Cup, adding to their triumphs in 2008 and 2020. The victory was a testament to the team's journey that began on MLS is Back weekend on Feb. 25, culminating in a historic achievement.
Cucho Hernández opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, converting a penalty with authority after referee Armando Villarreal judged LAFC's Diego Palacios to have handled a flicked-up touch from Diego Rossi. Hernández's goal set the tone for Columbus, and they quickly doubled their lead with Yaw Yeboah finding the net in the 37th minute. Yeboah's goal was a result of an 11-pass buildup, showcasing the Crew's intricate play and teamwork.
LAFC fought back with determination, and Dénis Bouanga provided a lifeline in the 74th minute with a well-taken goal. However, despite the late push from the Black & Gold, the hosts held their ground, and after seven minutes of second-half stoppage time, they were crowned champions.
Cucho Hernández's stellar performance did not go unnoticed, as he not only secured the decisive goal but also earned the MLS Cup MVP presented by Audi honors. His five goals in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs made him a key contributor to Columbus's success throughout the competition.
The match showcased the relentless attacking prowess of the Crew, who finished the 2023 season as the league's highest-scoring team. Yeboah's goal, described as "champagne football in motion," was a defining moment that highlighted the team's flair and quality. The 20,802 fans in attendance at the state-of-the-art venue added to the unforgettable atmosphere of the night, marking a stark contrast to the circumstances of the previous MLS Cup victory in 2020, where only 1,500 fans were present due to pandemic restrictions at Historic Crew Stadium.
The narrative of Columbus's rise becomes even more remarkable when considering the club's compensation to CF Montréal to secure Wilfried Nancy as head coach in December the previous year. The victory also delivered a poignant reminder to LAFC about the challenges of repeating a championship, a feat not accomplished since the 2011-12 LA Galaxy.
As the confetti rained down at Lower.com Field, Cucho Hernández, the MLS Cup MVP, solidified his status as a Crew legend. The triumph will be etched in the history books, not just for the silverware but for the vibrant, possession-centric style that brought joy to fans and showcased the beauty of football. The Columbus Crew's journey in MLS Cup 2023 serves as an inspiration and a celebration of the beautiful game.
