Columbus Crew vs LAFC - MLS Cup preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
- The two sides square off in the final game of the 2023 season
- Home sides typically win MLS Cup final
- LAFC looking to win second consecutive championship
The 2023 Major League Soccer season is reaching its conclusion, as Columbus Crew and LAFC clash in the MLS Cup final on December 9 at Lower.com Field.
The Crew's path to the final was a bit all over the place, but their perseverance and resilience is what has carried them this far. They took down Atlanta United in three games in the first round before toppling Orlando City in extra time 2-0.
It seemed like all hope was lost for Columbus in the Eastern Conference final as they were down 2-0 at halftime to FC Cincinnati. But the Crew scored twice in the last 15 minutes of regulation to force extra time, where Christian Ramirez was a super-sub yet again and scored the winning goal in the 115th minute.
The Black and Gold took care of business in their path to the final in the Western Conference, starting off by sweeping Vancouver Whitecaps in the first round. LAFC then narrowly defeated Seattle Sounders on the road, 1-0, before clinching a spot in their second-straight MLS Cup final after defeating Houston Dynamo 2-0.
Will the Crew claim their third MLS Cup, or will LAFC go back-to-back as champions to add to their silverware cabinet?
What time does Columbus Crew vs LAFC kick-off?
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Stadium: Lower.com Field
- Date: Saturday 9 December
- Kick-off Time: 16:00 ET / 13:00 PT / 21:00 GMT
Columbus Crew vs LAFC H2H record
- Columbus Crew: 0 wins
- LAFC: 3 wins
- Draws: 0
- Last meeting: Columbus Crew 0-2 LAFC (21 May 2022 - MLS)
How to watch Columbus Crew vs LAFC on TV channel and live stream
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Apple TV - MLS Season Pass, FOX |
United Kingdom | Apple TV - MLS Season Pass |
Canada | Apple TV + |
Columbus Crew team news
The Crew have no new injury concerns after their dramatic 3-2 triumph over the Orange and Blue to reach the final. With Ramirez's second straight game coming off the bench to score the winning goal, head coach Wilfried Nancy might be tempted to throw him into the starting lineup alongside Cucho Hernandez up front.
Columbus Crew predicted lineup vs LAFC
Columbus Crew predicted lineup vs LAFC (3-4-3): Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen; Gressel, Nagbe, Morris, Yeboah; Matan, Hernandez, Rossi.
LAFC team news
Like the Crew, the Black and Gold also came away from their conference final victory over Houston unscathed, allowing Steve Cherundolo to pick his full-strength starting lineup.
LAFC predicted lineup vs Columbus Crew
LAFC predicted lineup vs Columbus Crew (4-3-3): Crepeau; Hollingshead, Murillo, Chiellini, Palacios; Tillman, Sanchez, Acosta; Olivera, Vela, Bouanga.
Columbus Crew vs LAFC score prediction
This MLS Cup final matchup is bound to be one for the history books. Both teams have a plethora of attacking talent in their ranks, but they also both posses strong defenses - hence why they are in the final.
The home team typically wins more often than not in the regular season, and that doesn't really change in the final. Only one away side has ever won MLS Cup - New York City FC in 2021 over Portland Timbers in penalty kicks - meaning the odds are with the Crew.
It will be all over the place and dramatic just like it's been for most of the playoffs for Columbus, but they'll just get it over the line in extra time to win their third MLS Cup.
Prediction: Columbus Crew 3-2 LAFC
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