Are Columbus Crew the favorite going into Leagues Cup final? Los Angeles FC thinks so
When Los Angeles FC advanced to the Leagues Cup final, the Crew had already secured their spot and home-field advantage for the match. Knowing that, multiple players LAFC amplified their feelings about facing Columbus once again, which the Crew heard loud and clear.
Midfielder Ilie Snachez walked past reporters following LAFC's semifinal 4-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids saying, "I want you guys to write that Columbus is the favorite." LAFC leading scorer Denis Bouanga acknowledged there is a feeling of "revenge" facing the Crew.
"We understand their point of view and probably their mindset coming in," Crew forward Christian Ramirez said. "Wanting us labeled as the favorites and stuff like that. So, we understand that they're probably using that a bit as extra motivation. We just have to, like we've done before, stay in our lane and be ready for their best."
The last time LAFC was at Lower.com Field, it was for the MLS Cup final and they were considered the favorites for the title. But Columbus walked off the field 2023 champions after a 2-1 victory. In July, the Crew traveled to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles and ended LAFC's 13-game unbeaten streak at home with a 5-1 win.
It was a crucial match on Columbus' regular-season schedule.
"It definitely helps seeing them before," Crew captain Darlington Nagbe said. "Obviously you don't want to see an opponent for the first time in the final. So, I think for us, getting to play them, no matter the result of the game, but seeing how they play, what they like to do and certain characteristics of certain players, that's big."
Losing in front of a home crowd is a reason Los Angeles feels like the underdog.
"I've seen that they are the team to beat right now," Sanchez said. "Obviously they beat us in the last game that we played against them. So, I guess that's the feeling that you all have and that they probably also have right now."
In the final, it was striker Cucho Hernandez and midfielder Yaw Yeboah who netted Columbus' two goals. Ramirez was the key contributor for the Crew in their match against LAFC this season, scoring two goals and seemingly solidifying a regular role in the starting lineup.
But even with the momentum leaning in the Crew's favor, and LAFC feeling like the underdog, Columbus coach Wilfried Nancy has reminded his players to keep from underestimating Los Angeles, acknowledging that both previous matchups have been tough to win.
Additionally, LAFC has strengthened its lineup, featuring European soccer champion Olivier Giroud in the rotation since he became an option after the secondary transfer window opened at the end of July.
"I think anybody in this country knows what they have and how good of a side they are," Ramirez said. "They do things a bit differently than we do, but they're as clinical and have that killer instinct in (Denis) Bouanga and (Mateusz) Bogusz and now Giroud. So, you're never safe with them."
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew called 'the favorite' by LAFC for Leagues Cup final
