First-half goals from Cucho Hernandez and Yaw Yeboah gave the Crew enough breathing room to survive the impact of Denis Bouanga’s record-equaling 38th goal for LAFC in 2023 and leave the field 2-1 winners.
Columbus has now claimed two of the last four MLS Cup titles, making the threats of relocation from 2018 look silly and the booing of MLS commissioner Don Garber during the trophy presentation that followed more than just a ceremonial sports function.
The Crew earned their reward for a dominant opening half-hour in the 33rd minute when Hernandez drilled a penalty kick that LAFC’s Diego Palacios conceded for handball. Malte Amundsen then sprung a spectacular defense-splitting pass to set up Yeboah for Columbus’ second goal in the 37th.