Columbus Crew beat defending Champions LAFC 2-1 to win the 2023 MLS cup on Saturday evening. The home side put in a brilliant first half display to go 2-0 ahead as LAFC hardly got themselves in the game. It was Cucho Hernanadez who gave his side the lead in the 33rd minute from the spot before Yaw Yeboah doubled the advantage just four minutes following brilliant interplay.
LAFC did improve in the second half as Denis Bouanga reduced the deficit in the 74th minute but Columbus held on late pressure to deservingly win the MLS Cup in front of their vociferous home fans.
As it happened
Follow along with the MLS Cup final action from Columbus, Ohio. We’ll bring you the latest Columbus LAFC live updates throughout the match.
To watch the game, it’s available on MLS Season Pass, Apple TV as well as FOX and FOX Deportes. Kickoff time is listed as 4 PM ET, but MLS and FOX will likely delay the start of the game until 4:10 PM ET or later.
Columbus LAFC live updates for the final MLS game of 2023
In MLS history, Columbus Crew has won the competition two times. For LAFC, they won the cup for the first time last year in memorable circumstances. Can they do it again this year without Gareth Bale?
Photo: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire
Full Time: Columbus 2-1 LAFC
They have done it. Columbus Crew are the 2023 MLS Cup Champion
90' There will be 7 minutes of stoppage time
Will Columbus hold on or can LAFC get the equalising goal.
88' Rossi shoots wide
That should have been the match for Columbus but Rossi mishits from inside the box.
80' Can LAFC get the equaliser
We are in the final ten minutes of the ninety. Can the defending Champions complete their comeback?
Columbus 2-1 LAFC
After being denied first time, Bouanga follows it up to finish from close range.Game on. Honestly, Bouanga should have scored the first time while one-on-one but he won't care.
70' LAFC come close
Bouanga does brilliantly on the left wing and comes very close in halving the deficit. They need a goal, that too soon now with 20 minutes remaining.
62' LAFC comes close
Bouanga shoot over with his right foot.
56' Vela shoots straight on goal
Vela has his first shot on goal but its straight to the keeper. Tillman comes off as he's on a yellow.
47' Columbus come close
Its brilliant play from Yeboah and he almost sets up a third, but a brilliant piece of defending from Palacios keeps the score at 2-0.
45' The second half is underway
We are underway in the second half.
Half Time: Columbus 2-0 LAFC
The first half comes to an end and the hosts are flying as the defending champions are on the ropes.
45' Can LAFC come back
Vela has been completely invisible so far. LAFC come close with a good buildup
37' Columbus 2-0 LAFC
A wonderful buildup from the hosts sees Yeboah through on goal and he makes it 2-0. LAFC haven't turned up yet for the final.
33' Columbus 1-0 LAFC
Cucho Hernandez steps up and gives his side the lead.
It was coming as Columbus have had 72% possession.
31' Penalty for Columbus
The ball hits the chest of Palacios and then his hand after Rossi tries to control the ball. VAR agrees... Penalty to Columbus
27' Rossi hits the sidenetting
Columbus are pushing here as Rossi can't find the net. Just minutes later, Columbus have yet another corner yet nothing comes out of it.
25' Moreira shoots wide
Moreira has a shot on goal from outside the box but its wayward
21' Columbus waste a corner
The home side try to work it short from the corner but they waste it as the ball goes out of play. Minutes later Cucho Hernandez shoots wide.
17' LAFC can't get into the game
LAFC seem to be out of sorts. They can't keep the ball and get their passing into the game.
10' Its all Columbus so far
Columbus have been in full flow so far. It's
Chiellini who blocks out Rossi's dangerous cross from the right.
7' Columbus have a corner
Rossi's shot is blocked by Chiellini but Columbus cant get anything off the corner.
4' Both teams going at it
Columbus have had the better share of the ball, but LAFC have been fairly confident off possession.
We are underway
Here we go. This promises to be a cracker
The players walk out
A huge reception for Columbus, the home fans are certainly making themselves heard.
The home TIFO says: The One and Only
We are now minutes away
Not long now for the action to begin...
Who's day will it be
Will Columbus lift their third MLS trophy or will LAFC defend their crown
The team news is in
Columbus: Schulte, Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen, Farsi, Nagbe, Morris, Yeboah, Matan, Rossi, Hernandez
LAFC: Crepeau, Hollingshead, Murillo, Chiellini, Palacios, Tillman, Ilie, Acosta, Bouanga, Vela, Olivera
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