To say this match is one of revenge might be a little too much. Sure, it was the Columbus Crew who got the best of LAFC in their MLS Cup Final meeting to close out last season. However, this isn’t the MLS Cup. It is though, a final, with silverware on the line and that itself is enough motivation for a team hoping to finish the job this time around. Last year, LAFC were able to get to the last match in several competitions, only to come away with nothing but experience and lessons learned. Now, they look to secure some silverware before September hits, to help carry that momentum into the final stretch of the MLS season.
Matchday: #CLBvLAFC
⏰ 4:15 PM PT
🖥️ @AppleTV with #MLSSeasonPass
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/Dpcj7FSPbI— LAFC (@LAFC) August 25, 2024
MLS best meet again
One thing has become clear the last few years, these are the two best sides in the league. Once again, we have a final meeting between Columbus and Los Angeles. This will be the third major final for the Crew in just a nine month span. We all know the 2023 MLS Cup Final, but it was the Crew who found themselves in the Concacaf Champions Cup final this past June, where they lost to Liga MX side, Pachuca. Now, they have a chance to go two out of three with in this Leagues Cup final at home. The Crew have built themselves a nice little fortress at home, with a record of 6-1-4 (W-L-D) making this an even more difficult prospect for Los Angeles.
Finishing the job
Columbus have been a real thorn in the side of LAFC recently. The black & gold do hold the overall lead in head-to-head matchups with three wins to two with no draws between the two sides. However, the last two meetings have gone the way of the Crew. One being the Cup final last season, the other a 5-1 drubbing suffered in July. While this match may not be all about revenge, it is absolutely a chance for LAFC to exorcise their demons and look to find some confidence over a side that we could see again come MLS Cup time. LAFC are unbeaten in their last five matches and playing some of the best football we have seen from them this season. The key will be continuing to just be themselves and do what they know they can. The result should handle itself. Most importantly, they cant get sloppy, because the Crew are absolutely a team that will make you pay.
How To Watch
Kickoff is set for 4:15pm PT from Lower.com Field in Columbus, Oh. You can stream the broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV. Those looking for radio can find the broadcast on ESPN LA on 710AM.
Thoughts ahead of tonight’s match? Leave a comment below!