Columbus Crew is the 2020 MLC Cup Champion as they beat Seattle Sounders FC 3-0 at the Mapfrey Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Crew dominated the first half of the match and took over Seattle in an attempt to apply pressure and exploit the place in the transition. The payoff came in the 25th minute when Argentine transfer Lucas Zellarien scored for the crew. Columbus will remain committed to his press and soon after, Derrick Etienne scored in the 31st minute to quickly convert his second goal.
Seattle will make two changes at half-time and try to create some offense early in the second half. Sounders will look good on the target before the hour mark, but without success. The crew will seal the MLS Cup victory with a third goal from Zelaryan in the 82nd minute.
The Columbus Crew won their second MLS Cup, in the midst of an epidemic and without star midfielder Darlington Nagbe Aman. He picked up the trophy in front of his home crowd just three years after the #Save TheCreek fan-led initiative. The team saved Columbus from leaving Austin Stein.
Columbus Crew vs. Seattle Sounder (8:30 p.m. ET)
- ⚽Let’s: Lucas Zelarayan (25 ‘)
- ⚽Let’s: Derrick ETN (31 ‘)
- ⚽Let’s: Lucas Zellarian (82 ‘)
Major drama
Lucas Zellarian’s opening goal: The crew set up the tempo with their press and Zelarian broke the deadlock with a single touch to give Columbus an early lead.
Derrick Etienne continued: The defender was beautiful for the crew and his work was paid for as he was able to extend the lead in the 31st minute.
Jailrayan seals victory: The forward was able to join the goal once again as the drawn sounders’ backline allowed Zelarion to take a shot at the top of the box and connect in the top left corner.
Major performance
Lucas Zellarian, Columbus: Argentina’s transfer made history for the club tonight as the third player to score multiple goals in an MLS final, and helped them win the MLS Cup by becoming a constant threat to the backline and scoring two goals. One in the middle every night. Rating: 10
Eden Morris, Columbus: The 19-year-old Rocky made an impressive performance in the evening, making a solid change to midfield for the crew and completely isolating Seattle’s creative north Nicholas Lodrio. He was also a key factor in increasing the crew’s inaugural goal. Rating: 8.5
Raul Ruidiaz, Seattle: The Peruvian striker was practically a non-factor for Seattle in the evening, despite a 15-minute lead in the second half, as the Sons tried to trap the first goal of the second half. Separated, frustrated and kept off the score sheet. Rating: 5
