Although the Columbus Crew and Los Angeles FC come from different conferences, they have several things in common heading into Saturday’s MLS Cup Final.

Both have lifted at least one MLS Cup in the past four years, both entered the league playoffs as No. 3 seeds, and both have at least one player that has represented the other franchise at an earlier stage of their careers.

For the hometown Crew, Saturday is another chance to lift a championship in front of their longtime supporters. Wilfried Nancy has led the Crew back from a disappointing 2022 campaign by reaching the league final and also playing entertaining soccer along the way.

LAFC is aiming to become the first MLS franchise since rivals LA Galaxy to earn back-to-back league titles with a triumph on Saturday. However, unlike their 2022 triumph on home soil, Steve Cherundolo’s men are on the road and against the odds with Lower.com Field’s attendance set to be in heavy favor of the Crew.

Here is a closer look at Saturday’s MLS Cup finale:

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Season Series

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Saturday’s MLS Cup Final will mark the fourth-ever time that the Crew and LAFC have met. LAFC is 3-0-0 against the Crew in MLS play, outscoring their opponents 7-0 over that span. May 21, 2022 was the last head-to-head showdown between Columbus and LAFC, with Carlos Vela and Jose Cifuentes scoring on the night.

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Players to Watch

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CUCHO HERNANDEZ – CREW

Lucas Zelarayan’s midseason departure from Columbus has only led to the growing contribution of star striker Cucho Hernandez. Hernandez’s 16 league goals in 2023 were the fourth-most in MLS this season, ranking him only behind LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta, and Atlanta United’s Giorgos Giakoumakis.

The 24-year-old Colombian has been one heck of a signing by the Crew, totaling 29 goals and 16 assists in 48 combined appearances since 2022.

DARLINGTON NAGBE – CREW

It won’t be Darlington Nagbe’s first rodeo in MLS Cup, which is key for the Columbus Crew midfield. Nagbe has totaled over 400 combined MLS appearances to date, which has included MLS Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2020.

Nagbe’s 2,791 minutes played during the regular season were the second-most on the Crew roster, ranking him only behind defender Steven Moreira. His ample experience and leadership could prove costly in whether or not the Crew midfield wins the overall battle against LAFC’s.

PATRICK SCHULTE – CREW

Patrick Schulte didn’t start the 2023 season as the Crew’s No. 1 goalkeeper but is ending it as so.

Schulte lifted an MLS NEXT Pro title with Crew 2 in 2022 and since has excelled with the first team in 2023. Schulte has registered two clean sheets in five appearances during the postseason, totaling 13 saves.

The 22-year-old could be called upon to make some more key saves in Saturday’s contest.

DENIS BOUANGA – LAFC

2023 has been a remarkable season for Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga.

The Gabon international has totaled 24 goals between the regular season and playoffs for LAFC, both of which are first in the league. Bouanga lifted MLS Cup in 2022 and since has taken his game to new heights this season.

With 10 goals scored in his last seven appearances, Bouanga is red hot heading into a winner-take-all match.

CARLOS VELA – LAFC

Carlos Vela has remained just as impactful as in season’s past.

Vela has totaled nine goals and 13 assists in league play, remaining a key distributor in the final third. The 34-year-old’s time in LAFC could very well be coming to an end soon, but a second MLS Cup title would be the best way to depart.

MAXIME CREPEAU – LAFC

Maxime Crepeau has been sensational in between the posts for LAFC these playoffs.

Crepeau has registered three clean sheets in four starts, conceding only two goals and making 17 saves. The Canadian international missed most of the regular season after recovering from a broken leg suffered in last season’s MLS Cup Final win vs. the Philadelphia Union.

He’s back though and playing at a high level coming into the trip to Lower.com Field.

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Matchup to Watch

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Darlington Nagbe (M) vs Kellyn Acosta (M)

Two MLS Cup winners, two league veterans, Darlington Nagbe and Kellyn Acosta are two of the best at their position.

Nagbe and Acosta will square off in the heart of midfield as both teams try to dictate the tempo of the match. Both players are aggressive, but smart in their decision making, serving as veteran leaders of their respective groups.

It should be a fun matchup between two of the league’s well-known players.

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X-Factors

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Christian Ramirez – CREW

Christian Ramirez played the hero for the Crew in the Eastern Conference Final and very well could provide the same if needed on Saturday.

Ramirez, a veteran forward, has scored 10 goals and added four assists for the Crew since his arrival from Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen. The 32-year-old’s strong physical abilities could be key against the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Co., especially if Columbus needs a goal late.

Mateusz Bogusz – LAFC

Mateusz Bogusz’s future with Leeds United remains unknown, but for now is focus is on LAFC.

The 22-year-old Polish attacker is a key attacking weapon off the bench for LAFC, registering three goals and five assists this season. A creative attacker, Bogusz could start on the wing, but also is a threat against tired defenders later in the match.

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Prediction

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LAFC might be the defending MLS Cup winners, but I expect the home crowd to give Columbus a major boost on Saturday.

Crew 2 – LAFC 0