Champions! Columbus Crew Takes the 2024 Leagues Cup

Sunday was one of those days that reminded us why soccer is still worth watching every second. On the pitch at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, Cucho Hernández did what he does best: shining when it counts. With two goals and a flawless performance, the Colombian star carried Columbus Crew to a 3-1 victory over LAFC, locking down the 2024 Leagues Cup title. And let me tell ya, this wasn’t just any win.

This final had a storyline already set: a rematch of the 2023 MLS Cup, where Columbus also came out on top against LAFC. And, of course, guess who was the MVP of that final? Yep, Cucho Hernández. The guy just doesn’t miss in big games. Fast forward a few months, and here we are again, with the same guy doing what he does best: tearing apart defenses and hoisting trophies.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Now, let’s be real for a sec—what more does this team need to do to cement their name among the best in MLS history? It’s no stretch to say Columbus Crew is on the path to becoming a true dynasty in American soccer. We’re talking about a squad that, in less than a year, has snagged two major trophies and made it to the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup. And from the looks of it, they’re nowhere near slowing down.

Cucho opened the scoring late in the first half with a header that screamed classic number 9 style. That goal had “game-changer” written all over it. And even when LAFC equalized early in the second half thanks to Olivier Giroud finally netting his first for the club, it never felt like Columbus was rattled. If anything, the game felt like it was headed for penalties—but Cucho had other plans. Deep into stoppage time, the Colombian picked up the ball, aimed, and unleashed one of those shots you only see in clutch moments. Ball hits the back of the net, keeper’s beat, and the stadium just erupts.

What happened next is the kind of magic only soccer can deliver. While LAFC was still trying to wrap their heads around how they let the win slip, Columbus hit them on the break. A lightning-fast counterattack, Jaden Russell-Rowe gets the ball, and without mercy, puts the final nail in the coffin. Game over. Title secured.

Let’s be honest, what head coach Wilfried Nancy is doing at Columbus Crew is something to tip your hat to. Not many coaches can instill this “we’re not losing no matter what” mentality that he’s brought to the squad. And what’s even more impressive is that it’s not just showing up in individual performances like Cucho’s but in the entire club’s philosophy. They’ve got a rock-solid defense, a creative midfield, and, of course, a deadly attack. This Leagues Cup title is just another piece of proof that under Nancy, the Crew is becoming a winning machine.

But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves and call this a full-on dynasty just yet. Truth is, Columbus has all the tools to stay at the top for a while. Sure, keeping players like Cucho motivated and healthy is key, but if they keep up this pace, it’s hard not to think about more titles on the horizon. Just look at what they’ve done this season. Winning the Leagues Cup, along with their run in the Concacaf Champions Cup, shows that this team is ready to take on any challenge, whether it’s in the domestic league or on the international stage.

Are we witnessing the rise of a new powerhouse in American soccer? I wouldn’t rule it out. In a league where talent turnover is high and international stars keep rolling in, Columbus is proving they can hang with the best—both on and off the field. The secret? A mix of local and international talent, smart coaching, and the ability to show up when it matters most.

Cucho Hernández is the perfect example of that. The guy is a real game-changer for the Crew. In the most intense moments, he steps up and does what few can: he seals the deal. And it’s not just about scoring goals. Cucho has this ability to lift everyone around him. When he’s on the field, the team plays with more confidence, more energy, and, most importantly, with the belief that winning is always within reach. That’s rare. And that winning mindset could be exactly what takes Columbus Crew to even greater heights.

So what can we expect from Columbus Crew? Well, they’ve got a golden opportunity to solidify themselves as one of the league’s biggest forces. With a guaranteed spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup and this year’s MLS Cup still up for grabs, you’d be crazy to bet against them. The team has the talent, the leadership, and that extra something that makes champions.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

On the flip side, LAFC’s gotta rethink some things. They brought in Olivier Giroud to add some firepower up front, and while the Frenchman finally found the back of the net, it wasn’t enough. Giroud’s a big name, no doubt, but he still needs to fit into the system better. He’s got plenty to offer, but the team needs to figure out how to channel that talent in a way that really makes a difference in the big games. Because if they’re relying on individual brilliance alone, LAFC is gonna keep coming up short.

At the end of the day, this wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. Columbus Crew is here to stay, and Cucho Hernández is the face of this new golden era. And if things keep going like this, who knows how many more trophies this team will rack up?