Hernández heroics lift Crew to Leagues Cup title

Columbus Crew star Cucho Hernández once again stole the show as he led his team to a dramatic Leagues Cup victory over LAFC.

The Colombia international scored twice, including the decisive goal in the 92nd minute, to secure a 3-1 victory to claim the trophy.

The Crew beat LAFC for the second straight final after lifting the MLS Cup last December and retained the Leagues Cup title for the MLS. Inter Miami won the first edition in 2023.

The match, played in front of a packed crowd at the Lower.com Field, was a thrilling affair from start to finish.

Hernández opened the scoring at the end of the first half with a powerful header, but LAFC responded with a goal from Olivier Giroud, who made his first start for the Los Angeles side.

With the game seemingly heading towards a penalty shootout, Hernández delivered a moment of magic. His late cross evaded the LAFC defense and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, finding the back of the net to put the Crew back in front.

Just moments later, Hernández orchestrated another goal, setting up Jacen Russell-Rowe for a clinical finish to seal the win.

With the victory, Columbus landed a berth in the Round of 16 in next year's Concacaf Champions Cup. Los Angeles secured a spot in the first round by finishing as the runner-up in the Leagues Cup.

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