The Columbus Crew splashed the cash for Lucas Zelerayan bringing the Argentine playmaker to a market that needed a true star. He delivered, pacing them to their second MLS Cup in Franchise history.
Lucas Zelerayán Brace Leads Crew to MLS Cup Victory
While all of the talk in the buildup to the MLS Cup Final was surrounding whether or not the Sounders are a dynasty, the Columbus Crew had to hear talks of being underdogs while playing on their home field. They came out swinging and looked the most likely to break the deadlock.
In the 25th minute, the Crew broke down the right hand side of the field. Harrison Afful played a long cross to the backpost, where a streaking Zelerayán hit it with left, and Stefan Frei could not keep it out despite getting a palm to the shot.
ZELARAYAN OPENS THE SCORING@ColumbusCrewSC // #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/r1VEDE48D3
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 13, 2020
They made it 2-0 just five minutes later, after a well-worked combination play down the right hand side again made it’s way to the far side of the box, and Derrick Etienne Jr. passed the ball perfectly into the far post, doubling the Crew’s lead. Sounders fans found themselves in a familiar place, down 2-0 in a winner take all game.
The Sounders however, were unable to remain composed, as the pressure of the match eventually boiled over. However, they didn’t go without chances. Multiple chances went just wide in the Sounders’ bid to claw their way back into the game. A Roldan header just over on the corner, and Nico Lodeiro’s shot from the top of the box stood out. Eloy Room made a crazy save too in the 81st minute on Jordan Morris’ header. It was similar to the save from Stefan Frei in 2016 final. Almost immediately Lucas Zelerayán made it 3-0 to put it out of reach.
From start to finish 💪
This play: The Crew Way 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/NKwMJSoGuT
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 13, 2020
Just two years ago, the Columbus Crew looked like they were going to be on their way to Austin, Texas. That narrative got flipped, and the Columbus Crew Supporter’s got to look on and relish their team, that’s staying for good, lift the trophy at the end of the season.
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