09 December 2023 , 23:55
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Columbus Crew have been crowned MLS Cup champions after beating previous holders LAFC 2-1 in Saturday's final.
Former Watford striker Cucho Hernandez and Yaw Yeboah became the heroes for Columbus with goals in the first half, as they secured their third MLS Cup in franchise history. A late strike from MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga wasn't enough to save the day for LAFC, and they surrendered their 2022 title.
Actor and part-owner Will Ferrell was leading the celebrations in a bar for LAFC fans on Friday night, with those attending the game at Lower.com Field expecting to see franchise legend Carlos Vela for the final time. Both Vela and former Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini entered the final knowing it could be their last game for the club, and it ended in defeat.
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Vela and Chiellini see their contracts expire at the end of the 2023 MLS season, and are yet to make a decision over their future. Vela, 34, said ahead of the MLS Cup final: "Everybody knows how happy I am in L.A., how happy I am in this team. But it's a job, it's a business.
"We know sometimes it [doesn't work out] the way you want. We are two different sides and we have to be on the same page. But I'm not thinking about that, I'm thinking just about the final and the big chance we have to win the trophy.
"After that we will have time to talk and see if something works. If it doesn't, everybody will be on their way and we'll have good memories and good history together." Vela failed to get into the game at any stage as Columbus dominated, and the Mexican looked longingly at the attending LAFC fans to hint that he may have played his final game.
Carlos Vela tasted defeat in potentially his final game for LAFC LAFC won their first MLS Cup last season, with Gareth Bale coming off the bench to score a late equaliser in a stunning 3-3 contest, and send the game to penalties. LAFC haven't been as strong this season but still managed to make the final by using their experience, with Chiellini a major part of their playoff run.
Chiellini admitted before the game it was going to be tough, and hinted to head coach Steve Cherundolo and the rest of the team how they must approach the contest in order to win. "It’s going to be a nice match, especially for fans," Chiellini said. "For us as players, it will be a tough game because they’re very good at playing in possession and finding the right pockets, but they also have lots of pace and are dangerous in transition.
Giorgio Chiellini called what would happen if they didn't execute their game plan "If we are too spread out, or we concede space when we try to attack, they can hurt us. We are right here because we know all our strengths and weaknesses, and I expect a tight game unless an early goal opens it up a little bit. I don’t expect it to be five-four!"
Columbus controlled the game but were awarded a controversial penalty after 33 minutes, one that Hernandez converted to maintain his 100 percent record from the spot this season. LAFC were flustered, and just four minutes later Yeboah got behind the defence on the left wing and doubled their lead.
It was exactly what Chiellini had warned the team about, but with how Columbus started the game it was only a matter of time before they made the breakthrough. Vela and Chiellini already have one MLS Cup to their name, but it may be their last.