COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Crew are MLS Cup champions!
The Crew beat defending champion Los Angeles FC 2-1 for their second MLS Cup win in the last four years.
Columbus started the game having strong control of the pitch, but the first goal didn't come until the 33rd minute by forward Cucho Hernández in a penalty kick. Just four minutes later, the Crew drove down the field for another goal from midfielder Yaw Yeboah.
Columbus had 68.2% of the possession and led 5-1 in corners in the first half.
The Crew maintained a 2-0 lead into halftime before LAFC scored in the 74th minute, narrowing the lead 2-1.
The rest of the game was a battle to the finish, and the Crew held it down to secure the 2-1 victory.
The win marks the third title in club history.
Only the LA Galaxy (five) and D.C. United (four) have won more titles.
Los Angeles was looking to become the fourth MLS team to win consecutive titles.
The Crew started their playoff run against Atlanta United in the first round. After taking a 1-0 lead in the series, Atlanta came back and tied it 1-1 forcing a series-deciding game three. The Crew defeated Atlanta 4-2, winning the series. The club then went on to face Orlando City in the conference semifinals, beating them 2-0 in extra time.
In the Eastern Conference final, the Crew came back from a two-goal deficit to defeat rivals FC Cincinnati 3-2 in extra time, clinching a spot in the MLS Cup.
The black and gold have now made the championship match four times, with their only loss coming in 2015 against the Portland Timbers.
In the 27 years of Crew soccer, the club has made the playoffs 16 times. In the past 10 years, they've made the playoffs five times and won ten playoff games.