Cover image courtesy of Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew faced off against LAFC in an MLS Cup rematch that saw the 2023 MLS Cup champions now play on the turf of their Los Angeles counterparts for the first time in the series between the two Clubs. Columbus, who have outscored their opponents 15-1 in the last five games, wanted to continue their red hot form against one of the best teams in the league, who currently sit atop of the western conference.

Columbus started on the high, earning 70% possession through the first 25 minutes of play. Lots of chances being generated but could not find the back of the net.

In the fourth minute, Columbus came close to opening the scoring when Diego Rossi found Cucho Hernandez running towards the penalty spot. The serviced ball from Rossi was placed perfectly, but Hernandez couldn’t get on the end of the cross. Just one minute later, Mohamed Farsi found Hernandez inside of the box, but the header attempt was saved by LAFC netminder Hugo Lloris.

LAFC had their chance at the other end of the pitch in the sixth minute with Denis Bouanga dribbling through Farsi and Steven Moreira for a shot that went just wide of the frame.

Christian Ramirez nearely opened the scoring, trying to catch Lloris off of his line. The former LAFC forward took a shot from midfield that threw Lloris off balance, but the French goalkeeper was able to make the diving save.

LAFC’s second best chance came in the 14th minute, when Bouanga had his pocket picked by Rudy Camacho inside the penalty area. Kei Kamara was able to recover and have a shot on goal that was right at Patrick Schulte for the save.

The visitors finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, when Hernandez played a leading pass to Max Arfsten as the Crew generated an attack towards goal. Arfsten played Ramirez with a lofted ball towards the center of the box, and Ramirez pounced heading it past Lloris. That would be the difference maker in a dominant half by the Crew. The connection of Arfsten and Ramirez nearly produced a second goal for the Crew, but Ramirez’s glancing header was wide of the frame.

It was Hernandez that doubled the lead in the 55th minute when his strike from distance froze Lloris in his steps and found the back of the net. Minutes later, it was Diego Rossi’s turn giving the Crew a 3-0 lead after he capitalized on an errant clearance, placing the ball calmly past Lloris. Rossi, who played for LAFC, did not celebrate his goal, as Columbus looked to push on for more.

The game would go from bad to worse for LAFC, as Sergi Palencia recieved his second yellow card and the subsequent red for taking down Alex Matan. On the ensuing free kick, Ramirez was able to get a glancing header on the service from Matan to make the score 4-1.

LAFC claimed their first goal of the game through Nathan Ordaz who pounced on a rebound shot that was initially saved by Schulte.

Alex Matan got his name on the scoresheet to make it a 5-1 scoreline for Columbus, and ultimately putting the icing on the cake. However, both teams would be victim of simultaneous red cards with Marino Hinestroza and Jesus Murillo after a confrontation that resulted with punches thrown.

The Crew would hold on for the 5-1 win as they in the sendoff for Schulte as he heads to the United States Youth National Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Goal contributing Cucho

With his goal tonight, Cucho Hernandez has 12 goal contributions (6G, 6A) in the last five matches with at least one in seven consecutive.

Goals firing on all cylinders

The Columbus Crew have scored four goals in four matches this season. The last time the Crew posted multiple multi-goal games was in 1996 (4) and 1998 (5). Columbus has also registered 20 goals in their last six games, while only conceding two.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew are back in action at home on Wednesday July 17 as they host Charlotte FC. Kickoff from Lower.com Field is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.