Rematch on the Horizon: Crew and Black & Gold Clash for Leagues Cup Glory
The Leagues Cup final is set, and it promises an epic rematch between bitter rivals! Reigning MLS Cup champions, the Columbus Crew, will face off against LAFC in a battle for North American bragging rights.
Both teams secured dominant victories in their respective semifinals on Wednesday night. The Crew, fueled by a Diego Rossi brace (his third in the tournament!), comfortably dispatched Philadelphia Union 3-1. Meanwhile, LAFC ran riot over the Colorado Rapids with a resounding 4-0 victory. The Black & Gold’s offensive firepower was on full display, with goals from Mateusz Bogusz, Kei Kamara, Dénis Bouanga, and Lewis O’Brien. Even Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time leading scorer, made an appearance as a substitute for LAFC.
This highly anticipated rematch adds an extra layer of intrigue. Just last year, Columbus emerged victorious in the MLS Cup final against LAFC, with a score of 2-1. However, LAFC recently exacted some revenge with a convincing 5-1 home win over the Crew back in July. This rollercoaster rivalry promises a truly compelling final on Sunday!
The stakes are high as the winner not only lifts the Leagues Cup trophy but also secures a coveted berth in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. The Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids, though disappointed to fall short of the final, will have a chance to redeem themselves in the Leagues Cup third-place match.
While the Leagues Cup reaches its climax on Sunday, the MLS regular season rolls on with 12 crucial matches scheduled for Saturday. The 2024 playoff race is heating up, so don’t miss a single minute of the action! Will the Crew continue their winning streak against LAFC, or will the Black & Gold find redemption and lift the Leagues Cup trophy?