Expert Columbus Crew-LAFC predictions for MLS Cup
After beating rival FC Cincinnati on the road 3-2 Dec. 2, the Crew secured their fourth MLS Cup bid in club history and a date with Los Angeles Football Club at Lower.com Field Saturday.
Here is what the writers at The Columbus Dispatch predict for Saturday's game:
Michael Arace
Columnist, The Columbus Dispatch
Crew 3, LAFC 2
Crew coach Wilfried Nancy figures out a way to blunt a sufficient number of LAFC's vaunted counterattacks and his team wears down the visitors in the second half.
Brianna Mac Kay
Crew beat writer, The Columbus Dispatch
Crew 2, LAFC 1
The momentum is clearly in favor of the Crew right now, coming off two overtime victories on the road. Considering the fact that the game is at Lower.com Field, where they went 12-1-4 in the regular season, it’s hard to imagine their season ending with a loss on their home turf. While LAFC has yet to concede a goal in the postseason, the Crew have found ways to get past difficult backlines all postseason, specifically in the second half (or overtime), and I do not see that changing in the championship match.
Colin Gay
Real-time reporter, The Columbus Dispatch
Crew 2, LAFC 1
The Crew don't lose at home. After dramatic road wins against Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati, the Crew find themselves in the friendly confines of Lower.com Field, a stage that they have not lost on since Aug. 4 in Leagues Cup play. This is a Crew team that needed to find a way to win on the road so that it could continue its magic in Columbus. And, probably with a dramatic flair, Wilfried Nancy's first season with the Crew will end with a trophy.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Expert Columbus Crew-LAFC predictions for MLS Cup