Columbus Crew are 2020 MLC Cup champions as they defeated Seattle Sounders FC 3-0 in Mapfre Stadium, in Columbus Ohio.
The Crew dominated the first half of the match, conceding possession to Seattle in effort to apply pressure and exploit space in transition. The payoff came in the 25th minute as Argentinian transfer Lucas Zelarayan opened the goal scoring for the Crew. Columbus would remain committed to their press and would quickly transition into their second goal just minutes later as Derrick Etienne scored in the 31st minute.
Seattle would make adjustments with two substitutions at halftime in an effort to try and generate some offense early in the second half. The Sounders would get good looks on goal ahead of the hour mark, but couldn't find the breakthrough. The Crew would seal the MLS Cup victory with a third goal in the 82nd minute from Zelarayan.
Columbus Crew win their second MLS Cup, amidst a pandemic and short handed without star midfielder Darlington Nagbe amon others. They lift the trophy in front of their home crowd just three years after a fan led initiative to #SaveTheCrew saved the team from leaving Columbus for Austin.
Columbus Crew vs. Seattle Sounders (8:30 p.m. ET)
- ⚽Crew: Lucas Zelarayan (25')
- ⚽Crew: Derrick Etienne (31')
- ⚽Crew: Lucas Zelarayan (82')
Top plays
Lucas Zelarayan's opening goal: The Crew set the tempo with their press and Zelarayan broke through on goal with this one touch volley to give the Columbus side the early lead.
Derrick Etienne extends the lead: The defender was active on the flank for the crew and his work paid off as he was able to extend the Crew's lead in the 31st minute.
Zelarayan seals the victory: The forward was able to connect on goal once again as a stretched Sounders backline gave up space for Zelarayan to take a shot at the top of the box and connect in the upper left corner.
Top Performances
Lucas Zelarayan, Columbus: The Argentine transfer made history for the club tonight as the third player to score multiple goals in a MLS final, and helped them win the MLS cup by being an absolute menace for the backline and scoring two goals, one in each half tonight. Rating: 10
Aidan Morris, Columbus: The 19-year-old rookie had an impressive performance in the evening, putting in a solid shift in the midfield for the Crew and completely isolating Seattle creative maestro Nicolas Loderio. He was also a crucial factor in the build up for the Crew's opening goal. Rating: 8.5
Raul Ruidiaz, Seattle: The Peruvian striker was practically a non factor for Seattle on the evening despite a 15 minute stint in the second half as the SOunders tried to net an early second half goal. Isolated, frustrated, and kept off the score sheet. Rating: 5