Columbus Crew playing for another MLS title
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Columbus Crew players celebrate after defeating FC Cincinnati in the MLS Eastern Conference Final last weekend. Photo: Jeff Dean/Getty Images
The Columbus Crew take the pitch Saturday for a chance to bring the MLS Cup trophy back to town.
Kicking the news: The Crew host Los Angeles FC at 4pm for the league championship at Lower.com Field.
Why it matters: This is the fourth time the MLS Cup has been held in Columbus, but the first time at the new stadium.
- The Crew won titles in 2008 and 2020, with the latter match played at home.
State of play: This has been a magical first season for head coach Wilfried Nancy, who led the Crew to its first postseason berth since the 2020 championship.
- Columbus has scored the most goals of any team and did not miss a beat after star midfielder Lucas Zelarayán left midseason for a Saudi Arabian league.
In the postseason, the Crew won a best-of-three series against Atlanta and then defeated Orlando to notch the franchise's first road playoff win since 2002.
- Columbus earned a thrilling come-from-behind victory over in-state rival FC Cincinnati last weekend to reach the title game.
Between the goalposts: Our dominance at Lower.com Field makes us the favorites to win Saturday.
- Columbus is unbeaten in its last 17 home matches and has lost there just once all season.
Yes, but: Los Angeles FC is the reigning MLS Cup champion, winning the dramatic 2022 title against Philadelphia in penalty kicks.
- LAFC joined the league in 2014 and is the first franchise to be worth $1 billion.
The intrigue: LAFC also features a high-octane supporter group known as the 3252 that went a bit overboard during last week's conference final.
- Fans lit nearly two-dozen flares without league permission that created so much smoke the game's start was delayed, ESPN reports.
- MLS suspended the group and announced "supporter privileges" for those attending tomorrow's match would be "restricted."
The bottom line: The Crew is already scheduled to host next year's MLS All-Star Game.
- Wouldn't it be extra sweet to do so as champions?
How to watch: Follow the action on Fox/Apple TV or listen on AM radio 1460.
- Columbus Underground compiled this list of the best game day watch parties.
If you go: Verified resale tickets are available on Ticketmaster starting at $389. 😬
- StubHub features ticket pairs starting at $314 apiece.