The Leagues Cup concluded on Sunday night when the Columbus Crew faced LAFC in an MLS Cup rematch, but this time for the Leagues Cup trophy. In this Concacaf-sanctioned tournament, both teams automatically qualified for the 2025 Champions Cup, but the winner would receive a bye to the Round of 16. In a “revenge match,” LAFC had been beaten 7-2 by the Crew in their last two meetings. Columbus, on the other hand, was playing in its third final in nine months in this match.

LAFC had a good chance to get on goal early after Steven Moreira sent Mateusz Bogusz straight down the right from just outside the box. The short set piece was blocked by Cucho Hernandez and a rebound was saved by Nicholas Hagen.

The Crew had several chances to break the deadlock in the first half, but LAFC stood firm and did not allow the Black & Gold to gain the upper hand.

It was only shortly before half-time that the Crew scored the all-decisive first goal.

A free kick that was deflected all the way to Mohamed Farsi kept the Crew in their attacking zone. Farsi was able to play a rebound off Sean Zawadzki before sending a cross to the back post. Hernandez was able to meet the ball halfway and head it past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris into the net, giving the Black and Gold a 1-0 lead at the break.

Just 10 minutes into the second half, LAFC equalized through Olivier Giroud, who headed in a LAFC corner kick in the 56th minute.

LAFC came out of the second half with renewed urgency, which resulted in Columbus allowing the equalizer.

The second half belonged to LAFC. With the coach bringing Kei Kamara, Cristian Olivera and Timothy Tillman off the bench, LAFC was in it for the long haul.

But it was the Columbus Crew that would turn the tide.

The Crew scored their opening goal through Hernandez, who beat everyone in the box and found the back of the net with a shot from the right flank in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.

Jacen Russell-Rowe scored the Crew’s third goal of the night in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time after taking a pass from Hernandez and slotting it past Lloris to give Columbus its third victory over LAFC in nine months and clinch the club’s first Leagues Cup title.

The team defeated their Californian counterparts 10-3 during this period.

What the victory means for Columbus

With the Leagues Cup trophy in their pocket, the Columbus Crew have earned a bye to the round of 16 of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Cucho Hernandez named best player

With two goals and an assist that evening, Cucho Hernandez was named the Leagues Cup’s best player.

What happens next?

The Columbus Crew returns to MLS action on Wednesday when they travel to face Philadelphia Union. Kickoff at Subaru Park is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the game with the MLS Season Pass.