Columbus Crew SC are the MLS Cup champions for the 2020 season, lifting the trophy after a 3-0 win against the Seattle Sounders over the weekend.
Crew entered the match as slight underdogs but ended up providing an inspiring performance that saw them dominating the defending champs and clinching the second title in franchise history.
The Sounders, on the other hand, failed to make good on their chances and never looked comfortable on the pitch like their opponents.
It was the Lucas Zelarayan show, as the Argentine attacking midfielder scored twice while also providing an assist to Derrick Etienne.
Zelarayan’s first goal came in the 25th minute, when he got the ball in the Sounders’ penalty box after Harrison Afful’s cross, and delivered a powerful shot that Stefan Frei couldn’t contain. The 28-year-old player was became the facilitator 10 minutes later, sliding the ball to Etienne, who found the net with a beautiful curler.
Finally, Zelarayan iced his spectacular night with a curler of his own in the 82nd minute.
Zelarayan, who joined Columbus just this past offseason, was deservingly awarded the MLS Cup MVP award.
“I’ve coached good players before but this guy is unbelievable,” said Crew’s head coach Caleb Porter of Zelarayan.
Columbus Crew became just the seventh MLS franchise that managed to win multiple MLS Cup trophies. Their first came in 2008, while they finished runner-ups in 2015.
