Soccer-Columbus Crew beat LAFC 2-1 to win MLS Cup for third time

Dec 9, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez (9) battles for the ball against Los Angeles FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead (24) during the first half in the 2023 MLS Cup championship game at Lower.com Field. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) -The Columbus Crew scored first-half goals through Cucho Hernandez and Yaw Yeboah to beat holders LAFC 2-1 and win their third MLS Cup title on Saturday.

The Crew dominated possession early on and LAFC’s defence succumbed when a Diego Palacios handball in the 31st minute led to a goal by Hernandez, who slotted home his penalty.

The Crew doubled their lead four minutes later when Malte Amundsen made one of the best assists of the season with a long pass to Yeboah, who put the ball away to delight the rain-soaked, gold-and-black clad fans at Lower.com field.

Dec 9, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Alexandru Matan (20) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles FC defender Giorgio Chiellini (14) defends during the second half of the 2023 MLS Cup championship game at Lower.com Field. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

LAFC, whose style relies on counter attacking, never got into gear in the first half and Crew keeper Patrick Schulte was not forced to make a save until close to halftime.

Dec 9, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA;Columbus Crew defender Malte Amundsen (18) holds the ball during the first half against Los Angeles FC in the 2023 MLS Cup championship game at Lower.com Field. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After the break, Carlos Vela, playing what could be his final game for LAFC, tried to capitalise on a defensive miscue but his shot went directly into the arms of Schulte.

LAFC finally responded in the 74th minute when Jesus Murillo stole the ball in the Crew’s half and found an open Denis Bouanga, whose first attempt hit Schulte in the face.

Dec 9, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew defender Josh Williams (3) battles for the ball against Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga (99) during the first half the 2023 MLS Cup championship game at Lower.com Field. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

The golden boot winner fired the rebound home to cut the deficit but the Crew defence held out to ensure victory on a rainy day in Central Ohio.

Dec 9, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte (28) celebrates after winning the 2023 MLS Cup championship game against Los Angeles FC at Lower.com Field. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken Ferris)