When it comes to the 2024 Leagues Cup final, set to go down at the iconic Lower.com Field, the hype is unavoidable if you’re anywhere near Columbus. And why wouldn’t it be? This stadium has pretty much turned into a modern-day coliseum for the Crew, where today’s gladiators fight epic battles. Right there, in the heart of Ohio, backed by an insanely passionate crowd, Columbus Crew is gearing up to claw their way to yet another trophy.
This place already saw them raise the MLS Cup back in 2023, and let's be real, it wouldn’t be a shock to witness the Crew snag the Leagues Cup in 2024 too. Given their history on this turf, it feels like it's only a matter of time.
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But, just because the Crew is comfy at home doesn’t mean LAFC is going to be a pushover. Los Angeles FC isn’t just any team—they’re the kind of squad that, when they step onto the field, you know they mean business. They’re like a finely-tuned machine, sharp and lethal. And here’s where the irony kicks in: Columbus Crew, not long ago, was a team in crisis, finding new life in a fresh stadium. Meanwhile, LAFC, consistent as ever, is rolling into Ohio as the outsider who has to face down the enemy in their own fortress.
Now, for those who aren’t familiar, the Leagues Cup is a different kind of competition. It’s this wild cauldron where the top teams from MLS and Liga MX go head-to-head in some serious, epic showdowns. This tournament is like a bridge between the best of U.S. and Mexican soccer, blending cultures and playing styles. And here in the 2024 edition, the final between Columbus Crew and LAFC highlights the shifting power balance in North America. For years, Mexican soccer was seen as the top dog, but now, MLS teams, with all their structure and investment, are making their presence known.
One interesting thing to note about the Leagues Cup is how the rankings work. They’re based on a team’s performance over the last 34 games of the regular season. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the tournament because the top-ranked team gets to play at home. That ranking, like a compass, pointed this final to Columbus. Once again, the Crew has destiny on their side.
So, what should we expect from this match? Well, if the Crew’s recent home form is anything to go by, we’re in for a wild ride. The Crew is the kind of team that, even when they slip up, they bounce back with serious grit. They’ve got this almost mythical resilience, which was on full display in their epic win against LAFC in last year’s MLS Cup final. That was a battle where the Crew defied the odds and came out on top. But, of course, nothing’s guaranteed. LAFC is coming in hungry, looking for revenge. They’re like a wounded beast—backed into a corner but still incredibly dangerous. Columbus will need to keep their cool, not let the emotions take over.
Lower.com Field isn’t just a soccer stadium; it’s a true sanctuary for the Columbus Crew and their fans. Opened in 2021, with room for 20,371 fans, it quickly established itself as one of the top stadiums in Major League Soccer (MLS), thanks to its modern facilities and electric atmosphere. And there’s no shortage of iconic moments that have already gone down on its pitch. In December 2023, the stadium hosted a dramatic MLS Cup final, where Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles FC 2-1 in a nail-biting match, securing their third league title. On top of that, it was home to the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, where the league’s best faced off against a star-studded Liga MX team. Another highlight was the 2021 Campeones Cup, where Columbus Crew took down Cruz Azul 2-0, adding yet another trophy to their collection at the shiny new stadium. And let’s not forget the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the U.S. National Team faced and beat Costa Rica in 2021 and El Salvador in 2022. In such a short time, Lower.com Field has built up a rich history of epic battles and unforgettable victories.