Los Angeles FC (LAFC) is gearing up to face off against Columbus Crew on March 4, 2025, in the first leg of the eagerly anticipated Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 PM PT at BMO Stadium, marking another chapter in the heated rivalry between these two MLS clubs.
This season has already seen both teams start strong. LAFC has bounced back from their opening loss on the road, winning three consecutive home matches, all with clean sheets. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew has been equally impressive, starting with two unbeaten matches—demonstrated by their emphatic 4-2 victory over the Chicago Fire and a narrow 1-0 win against the New England Revolution.
Historically, LAFC has found it challenging to perform against Columbus. The Crew has had LAFC's number lately, winning the last three encounters with a dominating aggregate score of 10-3. Last year, the two teams faced off twice: Columbus ended LAFC's hopes of back-to-back MLS Cup titles with victory in the 2023 final and also triumphed over them in the 2024 Leagues Cup final. This string of defeats has left LAFC not only frustrated but also mindful of their need to adjust tactics against their resilient opponent.
LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo emphasized the importance of defensive solidity before the match, stating, "It’s still the same problems we saw last year; if you don’t defend properly against Columbus, it will be long night. If we can’t manage to keep them occupied defensively, it will be tough for us.” This notion of needing to keep the Crew's attack at bay reflects the high stakes involved as the teams head back to continental competition.
Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy, who leads his side following their impressive run to the final of last season's Champions Cup, maintains focused optimism pacing his team. “This is only the beginning of the competition,” he remarked, pointing out the importance of treating each match as it stands without overstressing the ramifications of quick turnarounds between competition. With experienced players on both sides, the game is bound to be compelling.
The match is notable not just for its historical significance but also for the strategic dynamics at play. LAFC has shown more aggression of late, particularly at home, but Columbus’s recent form portrays them as capable of silencing local supporters by capitalizing on breaks and counterattacks combined with their formidable attacking precision.
Looking at past encounters can offer insight—LAFC's goal-scoring struggles against the Crew have been evident recently, with LAFC scoring just one goal across the last three meetings. Cherundolo acknowledged, "Good matches come down to moments; we need to be prepared for these parts of the game.” With both squads boasting strong defense lately, fans may expect the clash to remain closely contested.
The stakes are high, not only for the match-up but also for the future progression of both squads within the Champions Cup. The tournament format means the overall performance across two legs will determine who advances to the next round, adding extra pressure for teams accustomed to high-stakes play. Both squads are aware of the impact even just one away goal may make.
LAFC's home advantage as they aim to bolster their early season momentum contrasts with the Crew's ambitions to reassert their dominance. With neither team having won the Champions Cup historically—LAFC finishing as runners-up on two occasions (2020 and 2023) and Columbus reaching the final last year—the clash carries additional significance not only for bragging rights but also for their ultimate aspirations for continental glory.
Kickoff is set for 10:30 PM ET, or 7:30 PM PT, allowing plenty of time for fans to settle down and enjoy what promises to be another thrilling chapter between these MLS powerhouses. Fans can catch the action live on FS2 and via streaming services like FuboTV, TUDN, and more.
Before the opening whistle, chatter from both camps highlights the anticipation surrounding the match. The combination of rivalry, historical undercurrents, and current performances promises to bring out the best from both teams this evening.
So, whether you're cheering for LAFC or siding with Columbus, be sure to tune in, as tonight's match isn’t just another game—it's yet another chance to witness two of MLS's premier sides face off on the grand stage of the Concacaf Champions Cup.