Los Angeles FC to face Columbus Crew for Leagues Cup glory

Los Angeles FC will do battle with the Columbus Crew in the Leagues Cup final in what will be a rematch of their 2023 MLS Cup encounter.

In that fixture, the Crew emerged victorious over LAFC, with both sides meeting at the Lower.com Field once again to decide who takes this year’s crown.

LAFC cruised into the showpiece match with a commanding 4-0 triumph over the Colorado Rapids at the BMO Stadium.

Steve Cherundolo’s side dominated proceedings in the first half and were rewarded before the interval with two quickfire goals from Mateusz Bogusz and Kei Kamara.

Bogusz rounded off a fine team move with a curled effort from outside the area, with Kamara finishing beyond Zack Steffen after being picked out by Ryan Hollingshead.

The victory was all but confirmed in some style as Denis Bouanga ran the length of the pitch, ending with a left-footed strike low into the bottom corner.

Lewis O’Brien added further gloss to an impressive display in the 75th minute, coming off the bench to mark his second appearance for the club with his first goal.

Here 4 a good time.#LAFC | #LeaguesCup2024 pic.twitter.com/lHAxovSwIm

— LAFC (@LAFC) August 22, 2024

Earlier in the day, the Crew confirmed their place in Sunday’s final following a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union.

The hosts took the lead in the 12th minute when Diego Rossi found himself in the right place at the right time to head home as he followed up Cucho Hernandez’s shot from distance.

Daniel Gazdag levelled for the Union just after the half-hour mark, taking advantage of the Crew trying to play out of the back before finishing beyond Patrick Schulte.

But Rossi, who is the Leagues Cup’s leading scorer, restored his side’s advantage before the break after being picked out by an exquisite chip from Christian Ramirez.

Wilfried Nancy’s side confirmed the victory eight minutes after the interval as Hernandez got his goal, seeing his initial headed effort saved, only to net from the rebound.

CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND #Crew96 | #CLBvPHI pic.twitter.com/ioWcxHzbiS

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 22, 2024