2023 MLS Cup Preview: Columbus Crew vs. LAFC

The 2023 MLS Cup Final is just around the corner and soccer fans across the United States are eagerly anticipating the match. I know I am! This year’s final will see the Columbus Crew host LAFC in what promises to be a very exciting match between two of the league’s best teams.

Location: Lower.com Field in Columbus, OH
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 4:00 PM EST
Televised on: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV; FOX and FOX Deportes

The Columbus Crew will be looking to make the most of home advantage as they aim to lift the MLS Cup for the second time in their history.

The team has had an impressive regular season and playoff, finishing top of the Eastern Conference and securing their place in the final with a convincing win over FC Cincinnati in the Conference Finals. With a passionate home crowd behind them, the Crew will be looking to raise the Cup.

On the flip side, LAFC will be keen to defend their MLS Cup title and make history by becoming the first team to win the competition in back-to-back seasons since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012.

The team has been in excellent form this season, finishing second in the Western Conference and breezing past the Houston Dynamo in the Conference Finals. With a talented squad and a wealth of experience, LAFC will be a formidable opponent for the Crew.

Finalists Overview

Eastern Conference Champion

The Columbus Crew had an impressive regular season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 17-7-10.

They carried this momentum into the playoffs, defeating the New England Revolution in the first round and then taking down FC Cincinnati in the conference finals.

The Crew’s defense has been a key factor in their success, conceding only one goal in their two playoff games so far. They will be looking to continue their strong defensive play in the final and lift their second MLS Cup in franchise history.

Western Conference Champion

LAFC had an up-and-down regular season, finishing a mediocre fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 14-11-9.

However, they have been on fire in the playoffs, scoring 10 goals in their three playoff games so far. Their attack has been led by Carlos Vela, who has scored three goals in the playoffs. LAFC will be looking to continue their attacking prowess in the final and win their second MLS Cup in franchise history.

Historical Context

Past Finals

The MLS Cup Final is the championship game of Major League Soccer (MLS) and has been held annually since the league’s inception in 1996. The 2023 MLS Cup Final will be the 28th edition of the tournament. The past finals have seen some memorable moments and legendary performances.

The most successful team in MLS Cup history is the LA Galaxy, who have won the championship a record five times. The Galaxy’s most recent MLS Cup victory came in 2014, when they defeated the New England Revolution 2-1 in extra time. The LAFC are the defending champions, having won the 2022 MLS Cup Final against the Philly Union in PK’s.

Match Predictions

I think we’ll see a great matchup of two teams carrying a lot of momentum behind them. My prediction is that LAFC will defend its title with a score of 2-1.