MLS Cup Playoff Takeaways: MLS Cup Final

Photo from The Associated Press

The 2023 MLS season is over, and it was a messy, rainy, super fun final in Columbus.

Let’s dive right into what happened in MLS Cup Final.

Columbus defeats LAFC 2-1

When it comes down to a Cup final, you have to be ready to play.

It took 30 minutes for Columbus to finally break through, and then a few short minutes later add a second to their total thanks to a RIDICULOUS pass from Malte Amundsen, but the signs were clear from the start that Columbus was ready to play from the get go.

And LAFC was not.

And I think the biggest misconception from this game was that LAFC started to turn the tide and make this game closer than it was.

Sure, Denis Bouanga scored to make it 2-1 and make it closer, but even with his original shot and the rebound, both a high percentage of xG, the Crew won the xG battle 2 to 0.8.

The Crew even had the better of chances after the Bouanga goal, when they were supposedly playing defensively and trying to put the game away.

Wilfried Nancy ball was absolutely amazing with Montreal, and he just needed more talent to show what he could truly do.

He got the talent, and in year one, he got the third MLS Cup title for the Crew.

Where does Columbus go from here?

Nowhere.

They’re keeping Darlington Nagbe. They still have Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi in the squad, and (at least for right now) no other club has swiped up Wilfried Nancy.

There is no reason to believe the Crew won’t be back to try and defend their title next year.

Where does LAFC go from here?

That is by far the much bigger question.

Carlos Vela is out of contract. As is Georgino Chiellini and Kellyn Acosta.

This offseason is going to likely lead to a major retool for LAFC.

And, even though LAFC lost three different finals this season, they still got to three finals.

It’s not a bad year to have, even if it is a bit disappointing overall.

But the future?

That is entirely up for question.