Cucho Hernández heroics help Columbus Crew to Leagues Cup title

Columbus Crew star Cucho Hernández stole the show again by leading his team to a dramatic Leagues Cup victory over LAFC.

The Colombia international scored twice, including the decisive goal in the 92nd minute, as the team won 3-1 and lifted the trophy.

The Crew defeated LAFC for the second consecutive final after winning the MLS Cup last December to retain the Leagues Cup title for MLS. Inter Miami won the inaugural edition in 2023.

The game, played before a packed house at Lower.com Field, was a thrilling affair from start to finish.

Hernández opened the scoring late in the first half with a powerful header, but LAFC responded with a goal from Olivier Giroud, making his debut for the Los Angeles side.

With the match looking like it was heading for a penalty shootout, Hernández produced a moment of magic, his late cross evading the LAFC defense and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to find the back of the net to put the Crew back ahead.

Moments later, Hernández scored a second goal, giving Jacen Russell-Rowe the chance to seal the win.

The win secured Columbus a spot in the round of 16 of next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup, while Los Angeles secured a first-round spot by finishing second in the Leagues Cup.

The Crew reached the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup this year, but lost 3-0 to Pachuca.