The Columbus Crew turned Saturday’s MLS Cup 2023 rematch into a statement performance, winning 5-1 at LAFC to silence the BMO Stadium crowd.
One reward for the reigning league champions after their cross-country trip? Five spots on the Matchday 26 Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.
Forwards Christian Ramírez and Cucho Hernández combined for 3g/1a, helping hand LAFC their first home defeat of the season and earn Columbus a club-record 42 points through their first 21 matches.
Wingback Max Arfsten notched his fifth assist of the season, and midfielder Darlington Nagbe made the TotM bench after completing 48-of-48 passes – aiding the Crew’s club-record +18 goal differential (20 goals for, two allowed) during their five-match winning streak.
Head coach Wilfried Nancy’s team is now six points off the Eastern Conference lead with two games in hand – gaining steam before their city hosts the 2024 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target on July 24.
Charlotte FC also made a statement, winning 3-1 at Supporters’ Shield leaders FC Cincinnati – their best result yet under manager Dean Smith. Captain Ashley Westwood dished out three assists, goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made six saves (including a PK stop on Luciano Acosta) and Andrew Privett was rock-solid at center back.
Brian White scored twice as Vancouver Whitecaps FC won 4-1 at St. Louis CITY SC, giving him seven goals in his past four MLS matches. Facundo Torres bagged a brace in Orlando City SC’s 3-1 comeback victory at the New England Revolution, now trailing only Nani (51) for the most goal contributions in club history.
Cristian Dájome’s two goals fueled D.C. United’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC, snapping his side’s 11-match winless run. Then Santiago Moreno celebrated his 100th MLS regular-season appearance with 1g/1a in the Portland Timbers’ 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Lastly, Ruan’s first-half header gave CF Montréal a 1-0 win over Atlanta United.
Team of the Matchday (3-4-3, left to right): Kristijan Kahlina (CLT) - Max Arfsten (CLB), Andrew Privett (CLT), Ruan (MTL) - Facundo Torres (ORL), Ashley Westwood (CLT), Santiago Moreno (POR), Cristian Dájome (DC) - Christian Ramírez (CLB), Brian White (VAN), Cucho Hernández (CLB)
Coach: Wilfried Nancy (CLB)
Bench: Stefan Frei (SEA), George Campbell (MTL), Darlington Nagbe (CLB), Nemanja Radoja (SKC), Obed Vargas (SEA), Evander (POR), Ryan Gauld (VAN), Deandre Kerr (TOR), Logan Farrington (DAL)
Audi Goals Drive Progress
MLS Academies have been identified as one of the most important resources for building on-field talent in North America. Through the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative, Audi has committed $1 million per season in an effort to advance academies league-wide, and to drive progress for the sport. For every goal scored in the regular season, Audi will contribute $200 into the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to directly support each MLS Club Youth Academy.
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