LAFC Hosts Columbus Crew in Crucial CCC Clash Tuesday Night

LOS ANGELES, California — Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC will host the Columbus Crew on Tuesday night for the first leg of their Round of 16 matchup in the Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC). The match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. PT at BMO Stadium.

This highly anticipated encounter serves as a rematch following their contentious rivalry in recent years, where Columbus has edged LAFC in a string of trophy battles. The Crew defeated LAFC in both the 2023 MLS Cup Final and the 2024 Leagues Cup Final, contributing to LAFC’s recent struggles against them.

“No two clubs have won more trophies since 2018 than LAFC and Columbus,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo. “This makes for a competitive atmosphere, and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Columbus advanced to this round after capturing the 2024 Leagues Cup title and entering the CCC with a bye in Round One. The Crew, led by head coach Wilfried Nancy, won two games to start the 2025 MLS regular season, showcasing a strong performance despite the loss of star forward Cucho Hernández to Real Betis in Spain.

“Our team has shown resilience, and we’re ready to face LAFC again,” Nancy said. “We believe we can get a positive result out in Los Angeles.”

In its last match, Columbus claimed a 1-0 victory against the New England Revolution on Saturday, where Jacen Russell-Rowe scored the only goal of the game. Columbus hopes to maintain that momentum and earn a solid result against the Black & Gold.

LAFC enters Tuesday’s match with momentum, having secured three consecutive 1-0 wins, including a Round One victory over the Colorado Rapids. The team’s defensive organization has proven effective, with Cherundolo emphasizing the importance of balance between defense and attack.

“If we can keep the game close and remain solid defensively, we have a good chance,” Cherundolo said. “We need to find our scoring touch, but for now, our defensive efforts are crucial.”

The second leg of this CCC matchup will take place on March 11 at Columbus’ Lower.com Field, where the aggregate winner will advance to face either Inter Miami or Jamaican side Cavalier FC in the quarterfinals.

This season’s CCC champion will earn a coveted spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, further raising the stakes for both clubs as they compete for continental glory.