Crew, LAFC Surging into MLS Cup Rematch
Match Overview
The best groups from last December are playing like it again with their 2023 MLS Cup rematch approaching on Saturday. Have Los Angeles FC (13-4-4, 43 focuses) has won three straight and is 9-0-1 in their beyond 10 matches, while the Columbus Crew (11-3-6, 39 focuses) are victors of four straight and eight of nine. The Crew kept LAFC from a second consecutive title with their 2-1 triumph on Dec. 9.
Recent Performances
The two groups have been in a stellar structure paving the way to this profoundly expected matchup. LAFC has outscored rivals 24-5 during its unbeaten run, while the Crew flaunts a 15-1 objective edge over their beyond four matches.
“I think everyone’s excited. Speaking for myself, I’m really excited,” Crew midfielder Max Arfsten said. “We know they’re a really good team, really good players and there’s going to be some tension there since it’s a rematch of the MLS Cup, and I think both sides are aware of that.”
Key Players and Team Dynamics
LAFC
LAFC extended their unbeaten streak to 13 in all competitions following a 3-1 win over second-tier New Mexico United in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday.
“We got out of the game with no injuries,” LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said. “The intensity was pretty low compared to previous weeks or the last match at the Rose Bowl (July 4 vs. the Los Angeles Galaxy) and we were able to get some guys some needed rest as well.”
Columbus Crew
The Crew’s attack has been relentless, scoring 15 goals in their past four matches while conceding just one. Forward Christian Ramirez highlighted the significance of the upcoming match.
“It’s two teams that are in a great run of form,” Ramirez said. “They’ve been one of the hottest, if not the hottest team, over the last eight or nine games, so they found a good rhythm, as we have. So, it’s a good time for this matchup and I know it’s an exciting matchup around the league.”
Goalkeeping Spotlight
The match will be the final one for Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte before he joins the U.S. Olympic team for the tournament in Paris. Schulte has seven shutouts this season, with three coming in the past four matches.
Coaching Considerations
Both LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo and Crew coach Wilfried Nancy have been mentioned as potential candidates to replace fired U.S. men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter.
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“I’m the LAFC coach and I am very proud to be LAFC’s coach, and we have something really good going here,” Cherundolo said.
Nancy expressed his long-term ambitions, telling The Columbus Dispatch that he is interested in becoming a national team coach “one day.”
Historical Context and Significance
This rematch not only brings the excitement of a previous championship encounter but also features two teams in peak form. The high stakes and recent history between the teams add layers of intrigue and anticipation for fans and players alike.
Conclusion
As Los Angeles FC and Columbus Crew plan to conflict in this anxiously anticipated MLS Cup rematch, the two groups are exhibiting prevailing structures areas of strength for and yields. With LAFC’s unbeaten streak and the Crew’s scoring binge, Saturday’s match vows to be an exhilarating and serious experience. Fans can expect a focused energy game that mirrors the best of Major League Soccer, with the two groups hoping to declare their strength and proceed with their noteworthy runs.