The Columbus Crew have won the 2024 Leagues Cup title, defeating Los Angeles FC 3-1 behind two goals and an assist from striker Cucho Hernandez. Hernandez scored the Crew's first goal in the first half with a header off a cross from Mo Farsi at the 45-minute mark. Columbus held the edge until the 57th minute when Olivier Giroud tallied his first-ever goal for LAFC. It came off a corner kick and tied the score 1-1. That is where the score would stand through the 90th minute of play, and with the Leagues Cup rule stating there is no overtime, the final would be determined by penalty kicks if neither team had broken through in the four minutes of stoppage time. Less than two minutes into that additional time, Hernandez found the back of the net again. From the top, left corner of LAFC's box, Hernandez ripped a shot through the air and past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to take back the lead as time ticked on. In the game's waning moments, Hernandez created a run off an LAFC turnover. He found Jacen Russell-Rowe near the middle of the field with a pass. Two touches later, Russell-Rowe secured the victory with a third goal. This is the Crew's second title in less than a year, having won the MLS Cup title in December of 2023 with a 2-1 victory over LAFC at Lower.com Field.

A Story of Two Halves

The first half saw Columbus dominate possession and create several chances. LAFC, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm offensively and were largely kept at bay by the Crew's defense. The game's opening goal came in the final minute of the first half, when Cucho Hernandez headed in a cross from Mohamed Farsi. The goal gave Columbus a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

LAFC Responds, But Crew Holds On

The second half started with LAFC looking much more dangerous and hungry to get back into the game. The Black and Gold found their equalizer in the 57th minute when Olivier Giroud headed in a corner kick from Mateusz Bogusz. This was Giroud's first goal since joining LAFC for the tournament. LAFC kept up the pressure and looked likely to take the lead, but they were unable to find the back of the net again. Columbus weathered the storm and eventually regained control of the game. They had a few good chances to score a second goal, but they were unable to convert.

Hernandez and Russell-Rowe Seal the Victory

The match appeared to be heading to a penalty shootout, but Hernandez scored his second goal of the game in the 92nd minute to give the Crew a 2-1 lead. Just two minutes later, Russell-Rowe scored the final goal of the game off an assist from Hernandez, clinching the Leagues Cup championship for the Crew.

A Momentous Occasion

This victory is a major accomplishment for the Crew, who are now the reigning champions of both the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup. It's a testament to their strong team chemistry, their ability to overcome adversity, and their commitment to winning. The Crew's win against their rivals, LAFC, in the Leagues Cup final is a clear indication of their determination to remain at the top of MLS for years to come. With a trophy cabinet already overflowing, the Crew look set to continue their dominance in Major League Soccer.