Columbus Crew star Cucho Hernandez once again stole the show as he led his team to a dramatic victory over LAFC in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday.
The Colombian international scored twice, including the decisive goal in the 92nd minute, to secure a 3-1 victory and claim the trophy.
The Crew defeated LAFC for the second consecutive final after lifting the MLS Cup last December.
“I'm happy for the fans and for my family. This is my job and I'm glad my teammates can enjoy it,” Hernandez told Apple TV after the match.
Columbus retained the MLS Leagues Cup title, a year after Inter Miami won the inaugural edition of the tournament that brings together clubs from MLS and Liga MX.
The game, played before a packed crowd at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, was a thrilling affair from start to finish.
Hernandez opened the scoring late in the first half with a powerful header, but LAFC responded with a goal from Olivier Giroud, who headed in his first goal for the Los Angeles team in his debut as a starter.
With the game seemingly headed to a penalty shootout, Hernandez had a moment of magic in stoppage time. His late cross eluded the LAFC defense and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and found the back of the net to put the Crew back in front.
Moments later, Hernandez orchestrated another goal, setting up Jacen Russell-Rowe for a clinical finish that sealed the victory.
“Our mentality is much better than other teams', this is not our first comeback, we also did it against Inter Miami,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez was named the tournament's Player of the Year, while Philadelphia Union forward Tai Baribo received the Top Scorer award after scoring seven goals in six games. Colorado Rapids' Zack Steffen was selected as the 2024 Leagues Cup Goalkeeper of the Year.
With the win, Columbus earned a spot in the round of 16 of next year's Concacaf Champions Cup. Los Angeles secured a spot in the first round by finishing as runners-up in the Leagues Cup.
The Crew reached the final of this year's Concacaf Champions Cup, but lost 3-0 to Pachuca.
Information from The Associated Press and Field Level Media was used in this report.
