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Columbus Crew Shreds Rivals and Heads to Leagues Cup Final

With Rossi and Cucho leading the charge, the Crew tore apart the Philadelphia Union and now set their sights on the title clash with LAFC

By Arthur Fernandes

August 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Crew forward Diego Rossi (10) celebrates with Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez (9) after Rossi’s second goal against the Philadelphia Union during a semifinal Leagues Cup match at Lower.com Field on Wednesday.
August 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Crew forward Diego Rossi (10) celebrates with Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez (9) after Rossi’s second goal against the Philadelphia Union during a semifinal Leagues Cup match at Lower.com Field on Wednesday. / Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Crew put on a show in the Leagues Cup semifinals, steamrolling Philadelphia Union 3-1 and punching their ticket to the big final, where they’ll face the fearsome LAFC. Not only that, but they also secured a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

You can’t talk about this semifinal without mentioning Diego Rossi. The guy joined Columbus Crew like someone slipping quietly into a party but quickly became the life of it. Rossi got the scoring started with a header—yeah, a header—from a guy who’s 5’7”. No one saw that coming. And as if that wasn’t enough, he doubled down before halftime after a beautiful setup from Christian Ramirez. Honestly, Rossi and Cucho Hernández are turning defenses into Swiss cheese. Every time Rossi touches the ball, it’s like the game slows down. And Cucho? The Colombian has a nose for goals that would send shivers down anyone's spine.

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But hold up, Philadelphia Union isn’t some pushover. Dániel Gazdag tried to spoil the Crew’s party, taking advantage of a silly defensive mistake to tie the game. His joy didn’t last long, though. Rossi was hungry for more, not only reclaiming the lead but making Union look like amateurs compared to the Crew.

Columbus’ win wasn’t just about luck or flashy individual talent, either. Wilfried Nancy’s crafted a team that plays with surgical precision. It’s like Nancy’s giving a masterclass in modern soccer. Columbus doesn’t just play to win—they play to dominate.

It’s crazy to think about how far Columbus has come. Just a few years back, they were sitting in the shadows of MLS giants. If you’d told someone they’d be ready to take on LAFC in a Leagues Cup final today, they’d probably have laughed you off.

Credit where it’s due—Wilfried Nancy deserves it all. The man’s a born strategist. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about building a winning mentality. Nancy gets that soccer isn’t just about stats and numbers—it’s about moments. It’s about crafting a story that sticks with fans for years to come.

Now, let’s be real, this final against LAFC is shaping up to be an absolute thriller. And it’s not just because both teams are on fire. There’s a fresh rivalry brewing, adding a little extra spice to the matchup. LAFC, who’s been tearing through everyone in their path, is out for blood after losing the MLS Cup to Columbus. Denis Bouanga, their go-to scorer, has already shown he can carry the team. But once again, the Crew’s got home-field advantage. And you just can’t overlook the power that brings. At Lower.com Field, the Crew doesn’t just play—they demand respect.

Plus, this final has bigger stakes than just the Leagues Cup. The winner locks in a direct spot in the Round of 16 for the Concacaf Champions Cup. It’s way more than just lifting a trophy.

So, who’s gonna stop the Columbus Crew? With Rossi and Cucho in sync, it’s hard to imagine anyone slowing down this unstoppable offense. The players’ confidence is through the roof. Every win makes them hungrier, more determined to prove this streak isn’t a fluke. Columbus isn’t just riding a hot streak—they’re building an era. An era that might just go down as one of the most dominant in recent MLS history.

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