On Sunday night, the Columbus Crew captured the 2024 Leagues Cup title by overcoming Los Angeles FC with a score of 3-1, courtesy of two goals and an assist from their striker, Cucho Hernandez.

Hernandez initiated the scoring for the Crew in the first half, netting a header from a cross delivered by Mo Farsi at the 45-minute mark.

Columbus maintained their lead until the 57th minute when Olivier Giroud netted his inaugural goal for LAFC, equalizing the match at 1-1 from a corner kick.

As the match approached the 90-minute mark, neither team had scored again, and since the Leagues Cup rules prohibit overtime, a tie would lead to a penalty shootout. In the stoppage time, Hernandez struck again less than two minutes into extra time.

From the upper-left corner of LAFC’s penalty area, Hernandez unleashed a powerful shot that flew past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, regaining the lead for the Crew as time dwindled.

In the closing moments of the game, Hernandez seized an opportunity following an LAFC mistake. He delivered a pass to Jacen Russell-Rowe, who, after two touches, sealed the game’s outcome with a third goal.

This marks the Crew’s second title within nearly a year, having previously secured the MLS Cup in December 2023 with a 2-1 win against LAFC at Lower.com Field.