As the excitement builds for the MLS Cup final, Columbus Crew is set to host Los Angeles FC at the Lower.com Field. It's a clash of titans, with Columbus Crew's resilient journey to the final facing off against the dominant and consistent performance of Los Angeles FC.
Columbus Crew's path to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. They've shown remarkable grit, having to endure extra time in back-to-back matches against Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati.
It all comes down to this. 🍿Crew. LAFC. MLS Cup. December 9. pic.twitter.com/cOajkm9L75— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 3, 2023
It all comes down to this. 🍿Crew. LAFC. MLS Cup. December 9. pic.twitter.com/cOajkm9L75
In the quarterfinals, it was Cristian Ramirez who broke the deadlock in extra time, setting the stage for Cucho Hernandez to clinch the win.
The semifinal against FC Cincinnati was a rollercoaster, as Columbus fought back from a two-goal deficit, with Ramirez emerging as the hero once again with a decisive 115th-minute goal.
Los Angeles FC, in contrast, has been the embodiment of playoff perfection, cruising through with four wins from four games.
Their victories against Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo were testament to their solid performance and have rightly positioned them as favorites for the title.
Columbus Crew boasts an impressive home record, having scored in their last 21 home league games. Los Angeles FC, on the other hand, have shown their strength in the league, remaining undefeated in 10 of their last 11 games.
In recent head-to-head matchups, Los Angeles FC has had the upper hand, securing three consecutive wins by at least two goals against Columbus Crew.
Interestingly, Columbus has struggled to find the net in these encounters.
Team preparations are in full swing, with Columbus Crew dealing with the absence of Will Sands due to injury. Los Angeles FC's Steve Cherundolo, however, has the luxury of a full squad at his disposal.
As the two teams prepare to battle it out in the MLS Cup final, the anticipation for a thrilling encounter is high.
While Los Angeles FC is favored to win, Columbus Crew's resilience and fighting spirit, especially on home turf, cannot be underestimated.
The prediction points towards a victory for Los Angeles FC, but expect Columbus Crew to put up a fierce fight, potentially finding the net in what promises to be an exhilarating final.