After four weeks of play, the 2024 Leagues Cup is finally coming to a close. The Columbus Crew and Los Angeles FC will meet at Columbus's Lower.com field to crown a champion and usher in the final phase of the MLS regular season.
There are plenty of fascinating threads running through this game, but four questions stand out as kickoff draws near: Can LAFC finally find a way through Wilfried Nancy's Columbus Crew? LAFC cruised through the Leagues Cup in fine form, scoring 18 goals across its six appearances, but it's kept its expectations low for Sunday's final. "I want you guys to write that Columbus is the favorite," midfielder Ilie Sanchez told the media after his team beat Colorado 4-0 in the semis. It's a strangely tempered approach from a team that isn't afraid to celebrate its strength.
The reason? Recent history. LAFC has never beaten Wilfried Nancy's Columbus Crew. In the two games they've played against Nancy's Columbus LAFC has scored two goals, conceded seven and earned two red cards.
It's not exactly a record that inspires confidence. Signs point to LAFC flipping that script and getting a much-needed win against its bogey team. Since losing 5-1 to Columbus in July LAFC has experimented with a brand-new defensive lineup that could give it some fresh attacking ammunition.
It's moved from a back four to a back five, freeing up wingbacks Sergi Palencia and Ryan Hollingshead to charge down the flanks. Columbus has always struggled to defend fast-moving crosses in its o.