Hernandez double fires Columbus to Leagues Cup title
Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez scored twice for the Columbus Crew, helping his team beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 with two goals in stoppage time to win the Leagues Cup final on Sunday.
It is the second trophy won by the Crew under French coach Wilfried Nancy following the team's MLS Cup triumph - also over LAFC - last December at their Lower.com stadium.
The Crew, who also reached the final of CONCACAF Champions Cup, losing to Mexico's Pachuca in June, have won admirers in North America for their attractive and progressive football.
The finishing ability of Hernandez, a 25-year-old forward who had spells in England and Spain, was once again crucial for Columbus. Hernandez put the Crew ahead on the stroke of half-time with a powerful header after a clever chip into the box from Mohamed Farsi.
Former France and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, making his first start for LAFC following his recent move from AC Milan, leveled in the 57th minute with a trademark header from a Mateusz Bogusz corner.
The goal brought LAFC to life and they enjoyed a spell of strong pressure with the Crew back-line struggling to cope. With the game heading to penalties, Hernandez floated in a hopeful ball from the inside-left position that passed across the area and the unsighted LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was unable to keep it out.
Hernandez celebrated by removing his shirt and jumping into the crowd but he preserved enough energy to make another decisive contribution. The Colombian created the third, leading a counter-attack deep in stoppage time, breaking away before slipping the ball to substitute Jacen Russell-Rowe, who coolly slotted home.