Led by Fantastic Zelarayan Columbus Crew Wins the MLS Cup, Beat Seattle Sounders, 3-0

The MLS Cup has a new owner, as Columbus Crew defeated Seattle Sounders in the finals this Saturday night. Crew dethroned the 2019 champions in a convincing style, trashing the previous winners 3-0.

Throughout the entire game, the home team dominated, and even though Seattle created several solid chances midway through the second half, there was no concern that the guests might retain the trophy.

“You saw we came out, we pressed, we didn’t sit back. But when we had to be in a low block, we were organized,” Columbus’ head coach Caleb Porter. “We went a little more direct. That’s what the game called for.”

Direct it was, as the home team had a 2-0 lead after 31 minutes of play. Lucas Zelarayan needs to be credited for that, as the Argentinian scored the first and set up the second goal. He would add another score to his tally in the late part of the game, putting an end to this clash.

Zelarayan netted the first goal in the 25th minute, after a volley that was so hard, Seattle’s goalkeeper Sebastian Frei couldn’t deny the shot, even though he was on the ball.

Just six minutes later, the Argentinian contributed with an assist. In this situation, the executor was Derrick Etienne Jr., who scored a very nice goal from some 16 yards out to the left.

Zelarayan added another beauty eight minutes before the end of the regulations, once he beat Frei with a bomb from the edge of the box, smashing the football into the upper right corner of Seattle’s goalkeeper. The Argentinian who was already the Newcomer of the Year added one more individual award. He was named the MLS Cup MVP, which summed up a perfect year for Crew’s highest-paid player in history.

“I knew we were going to do great things this year. We had a lot of trust, we had great players, we had a great pair of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and I knew we were going to achieve great things this year,” he said following the contest.

https://twitter.com/unbsstats/status/1337963185853390850

As for the Sounders, they missed an opportunity to win back-to-back titles, third over the past five years. Even though the franchise from Lumen Field looked great up until now, they didn’t have any chances in the finals. Head coach Brian Schmetzer explained that the key to the hosts’ win tonight was stopping Nicolas Lodeiro, who was pressured all the time. Also, Seattle’s playmaker had some troubles with injury, which additionally decreased his impact on the field.

“Nico had a strained calf, which prevented him from being his normal self. I think the Crew did a good job of sitting with their two holding midfielders and denying space.”

Seattle had a few tries between the 60th and the 80th minute, Jordan Morris’ one being the best when Sounders’ forward hit the crossbar. After missing all of them, the punishment came from the other side, with Zelarayan’s second hit of the night.

This is a severe blow for the champs, who have one of the best generations in the MLS history, always providing notable results over the past few years and being in contention for the MLS Cup. Knowing their mentality, we might expect the Sounders even stronger next season, with a colossal motive to dethrone Columbus.

But until then, the trophy will be in Ohio.