Cucho Hernández, the standout player for the Columbus Crew, showcased his exceptional skills once again in the Leagues Cup final against LAFC. With two remarkable goals, including a game-winning strike in the 92nd minute, Hernández led his team to a thrilling 3-1 victory, claiming the prestigious trophy. This victory marked the Crew’s second consecutive win over LAFC in a final, following their MLS Cup triumph last December.
The match, held at the packed Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. Hernández kicked off the scoring with a powerful header towards the end of the first half. However, LAFC struck back with an impressive goal from Olivier Giroud, who netted a well-placed header in his first start for the Los Angeles side. As the game seemed destined for a penalty shootout, Hernández delivered a moment of magic in stoppage time.
The Winning Goal
In the dying moments of the game, Hernández’s perfectly placed cross eluded the LAFC defense and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, finding the back of the net and restoring the Crew’s lead. Shortly after, Hernández displayed his playmaking skills by setting up Jacen Russell-Rowe for a clinical finish, securing the victory. Hernández’s exceptional performance earned him the title of the Best Player of the tournament, showcasing his talent and impact on the field.
With this triumph, Columbus secured a spot in the round of 16 in next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup, highlighting their continued success on the international stage. Meanwhile, Los Angeles earned a spot in the first round after finishing as the runner-up in the Leagues Cup. Despite their loss in the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup to Pachuca, the Crew’s resilience and determination throughout the tournament demonstrated their potential for future success in upcoming competitions.
Cucho Hernández’s stellar performance in the Leagues Cup final not only led the Columbus Crew to victory but also solidified his status as a key player in the team’s success. With a bright future ahead, Hernández’s contributions on the field are bound to leave a lasting impact on the club and its fans.