The Leagues Cup final matchup is set in stone as LAFC and Columbus booked their spots with impressive semi-final wins Wednesday evening. Here is what went down.
What happened
Columbus booked their ticket to a third final since the start of last season, and could collect their second trophy. Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernandez showed why they are one of the deadliest attacking duos in MLS, cutting through the Philadelphia Union for three goals and another rip-roaring win in front of their fans.
Luckily for Wilfried Nancy and his team, they did not have to pull off another comeback, all but settling the tie with nearly 40 minutes left in the match.
Meanwhile, LAFC booked their ticket in comfortable fashion, as they have done through most of the tournament this summer. Two first-half goals set the tone for the hosts, who gave their visitors from Denver very little to work with.
Denis Bouanga put the Black and Gold three ahead after the break before new-boy Lewis O’Brien came off the bench to put the final icing on the cake, and it was smooth sailing from there. LAFC have now won their knockout ties in the tournament by a combined score of 13-1.
Moment of the night
A solo run for the ages!
Stat of the night
A super-club in the making.
After earning a place in the @LeaguesCup 2024 Final, @LAFC has qualified for five Cup finals since the start of the 2022 season, including 2022 & 2023 MLS Cup, 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, and 2023 Campeones Cup. pic.twitter.com/jDX7eXFHYZ
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) August 22, 2024
What this means
The stage is set for an MLS Cup Final rematch. The two MLS giants went head to head for the biggest prize in American soccer last season, and now they will square off once again.
What comes next
The final, of course! The showdown in Columbus will take place on Sunday, as the tournament finally comes to its conclusion.
Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports