Hernandez double fires Columbus to Leagues Cup title

Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez scored
twice as the Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 with two goals in stoppage
time to win the Leagues Cup final.

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, leveled in the 57th minute with a trademark header from a Mateusz
Bogusz corner.

But 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 then 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.

The game was a rematch of last year’s MLS Cup final, also won by the Crew. (BSS/AFP)