By Okon Ekpenyong

Columbus Crew soccer team defeated the Los Angeles FC to win the 2023 MLS Cup in an exciting 2 goals to 1.
Columbus Crew Lex with 2 goals in the first half through Cucho Hernedez who converted a penalty in the 33rd mins and Yaw Yeboah who scored in the 37th minute. LA FC got one back in the 64th minute through Denis Bouanga.

The city of Columbus and Crew will hold a championship parade this coming Tuesday. It will bring in fans from all over the state, generating significant revenue for local businesses. Restaurants, bars, and shops in the surrounding area are preparing for the influx of customers, many of whom will wear Crew jerseys and show their team spirit.

It’s more than just the parade and the immediate boost in sales but how the impact of the MLS title game will have long-term effects on the local economy. With the increased exposure and attention to the city, more people will be excited to visit and potentially even relocate to the area. It will likely lead to increased tourism, job opportunities, and growth for small businesses in the future.

After winning the MLS Cup in 2020, the team failed to make the playoffs in both 2021 and 2022, which led to the dismissal of their head coach. The team then hired Wilfried Nancy as their new coach. On Saturday, he became the first black to coach and win the MLS Cup. 

As for the game itself, both teams put on an impressive performance. Los Angeles FC gave the Crew a tough fight in the second half, but ultimately, the home team won. Despite their strong performance, LA FC eventually could not overcome their deficit and lost the game 2-1. This loss was a disappointing end to their season, but Denis Bouanga’s goal gave the team something to celebrate and be proud of. It also showed the team’s determination and never-give-up attitude, even when facing a difficult situation. Overall, it was a bittersweet moment for LAFC and their fans.

Bouanga won the Golden Boot award for scoring the most goals in the league. It was evident in the championship game that he continued to show his dominance as a scorer despite the crew defense slowing him down in the first half. His impressive performance throughout the season demonstrates why he was such a dominant scorer.

Cucho Hernandez, a second-year player for the Crew, was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the match. However, his outstanding performance throughout the playoffs also received high praise. He had a remarkable record of 11-0 in penalty kicks before scoring in the 33rd minute to give the Crew a lead. Diego Palacios, a defender for LAFC, was called for a handball using his right arm at the top of the box, leading to a penalty. Four minutes after the first goal, Yeboah dribbled towards the goal box and slipped a shot past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, extending the lead to 2-0.

Crew’s Midfielder Darlington Nagbe has every reason to be emotional on such a marvelous occasion. He becomes the second player in MLS history to win four MLS cups, which ties him with Brian Mullin. Nagbe’s third title was with the Crew in 2020, after signing with the club on November 13, 2019. He played his collegiate career at the University of Akron in northeast Ohio.

The Crew team dominated the game, especially in the first half, with an impressive possession of the ball, accounting for 61.5%, compared to LAFC’s 38.5%. Additionally, the team showcased their superior skills by shooting more accurately, passing more precisely, taking more corners, and achieving a higher passing accuracy than LAFC.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with fans cheering on their team and celebrating every goal. It was a true testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and boosting local morale.

Every bar and restaurant around Lower.com Field was surly packed, creating multiple options for those unable to attend the game. The excitement of the fans and supporters also kept the Arena District businesses thriving.

The 2023 MLS title game was a significant win not just for the Columbus Crew but for the entire community and economy of Central Ohio. It showcased the team’s and its fans’ passion and dedication and highlighted the importance of supporting and investing in local businesses. The city of Columbus can proudly celebrate this victory, both on and off the field.

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