Columbus top LAFC to claim Leagues Cup | OneFootball

MIAMI, Florida – The Columbus Crew are champions of the 2024 Leagues Cup after defeating Los Angeles FC 3-1 on Sunday night at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

Cucho Hernandez bagged a brace, while Jacen Russell-Rowe added a late score to give the 2024 Champions Cup runners-up their first Leagues Cup crown.

With the win, Columbus have confirmed their place in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, while LAFC as runners-up will begin the tournament in Round One.

It was a cagey first half between the two sides, with Columbus largely on the front foot and creating the scoring chances.

They were handsomely rewarded for their efforts shortly before the break when a cross was floated into the box and Hernandez arrowed a header into net to hand the Crew a 1-0 halftime lead.

LAFC improved to start the second half and in his first start since arriving this summer, new striker and all-time French National Team leading scorer Olivier Giroud got just enough separation to spear home a header to level things at 1-1 in the 57’.

Things were locked at 1-1 going into the final minutes with all signs pointing toward a shootout to determine the winner, but Hernandez would appear in the 90’+2 to make the difference, curling in a ball that flashed passed Columbus attacker Russell-Rowe, freezing LAFC GK Hugo Lloris enough for the ball to bounce into net for a 2-1 Columbus lead.

The Crew then tacked on an insurance score in the 90’+4, with Russell-Rowe putting the bow on the victory with a strong finish to complete the 3-1 scoreline.