Who’s up for a 2023 MLS Cup Final Pt. 2?
On Saturday night (and Sunday morning), the reigning league champions travel across the country to face the MLS Cup runner-up LAFC in a little #MLSAfterDark action.
Numbers to Know
3 – Winners of their last four matches, the Columbus Crew are third in the Eastern Conference with 39 points from 20 games. The club’s +22 goal differential leads the league, and the Crew have allowed the fewest number of goals in MLS: 22. But more importantly, the side has 15 goals in its last four games and has won eight of its last nine league games, dating back to May 15. Oh, and Columbus has won five of its last six road matches. These are eye-popping stats that match the electric performances to date. Do not take it for granted.
15 – As mentioned above, the Black & Gold have scored 15 goals in the last four matches. Yes, three of them were at Lower.com Field, but the Crew attack has been in prolific form in recent weeks. Starting with a 4-0 win against Sporting Kansas City on June 22, the Crew smashed the New England Revolution, 5-1, a week later at Gillette Stadium. Up next came a 2-0 win against Nashville SC on July 3 before a 4-0 Trillium Cup win over Toronto FC this past Saturday. Columbus led MLS in scoring last season, so this shouldn’t be too surprising. But, yeah, averaging 3.75 goals a game is pretty wild.
1 – It’s safe to say LAFC has picked up from where it left off last season. The California club sits atop the Western Conference standings with 43 points from 21 games. With the second-best goal differential in the conference (+19), LAFC is unbeaten in 10 straight matches, including a 2-1 El Trafico win over the LA Galaxy in the Rose Bowl on July 4. The Crew need a quality performance to become the first team to beat the club at BMO Stadium this season.
99 – After saying No. 1 first, it’s only natural to mention No. 99 next, right? Well, Denis Bouanga is still at LAFC, which means he’s still one of the best attacking players in MLS. The Frenchman has 14 goals and nine assists this season through 21 appearances, keeping up with his prolific form since he moved to Los Angeles in 2022. Since his arrival, he has 35 goals and 16 assists in 59 league appearances. With six goals and four assists in his last seven matches, he’s the LAFC player to watch.
When They Last Met
The Columbus Crew won the 2023 MLS Cup Final on Dec. 9, 2023, when the Black & Gold beat LAFC, 2-1, at Lower.com Field. The team’s third MLS Cup was perfect, as rain fell to the pitch and plumes of yellow smoke filled the sky. Cucho scored the opening goal via a penalty in the 33rd minute before Yaw Yeboah produced the game-winner four minutes later through a flawless team buildup and a lovely assist from Malte Amundsen. Bouanaga gave the visitors a goal in the 74th minute, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Crew a second MLS Cup in four years. As for the last meeting in California, LAFC won, 3-0, on May 11, 2019. A lot’s happened since then – including two MLS Cup titles.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew at Los Angeles FC
When: Saturday, Jul. 13 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: BMO Stadium
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
How to Listen: La Grande 102.5 FM | Alt 105.7 FM | iHeart Radio app
Single-Match Tickets
Secure your seat to cheer on your Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
