Western Conference Title 2023

Lore & Background

The road to the 2023 Western Conference playoffs was paved with high-stakes drama and moments of sheer brilliance. Throughout the season, the red-and-black army faced stiff competition from established powers like Seattle Sounders FC and Portland Timbers, yet LAFC managed to keep pace through a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair. The #2 seed was secured not in a single explosive moment, but through a sustained period of excellence that saw the team climb the standings week after week. This achievement was particularly sweet for the fanbase, known as 'The 325,' who had witnessed the club's rapid rise since its inception in 2018. The atmosphere at BMO Stadium during the final stretch of the season was electric, with every home match feeling like a playoff game. The regular-season finish validated the patience and passion of the supporters, proving that their unwavering belief in the project had finally borne fruit on the national stage. Beyond the standings, the 2023 campaign highlighted the depth of the squad's character. Injuries and suspensions tested the roster, but the team responded with a collective grit that defined their identity. This resilience became the hallmark of the season, transforming LAFC from a promising young club into a legitimate contender in the making.

In Their Own Story

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across BMO Stadium as the final whistle approached, sealing the fate of the Western Conference standings. The air was thick with anticipation, the roar of the crowd a deafening hum that vibrated through the turf. On the pitch, the players, drenched in sweat and wearing their iconic red kits, looked toward the scoreboard one last time. It wasn't just another win; it was the culmination of a season defined by struggle and triumph. As the realization washed over them that they had claimed the title, a collective exhale turned into a roar of celebration, echoing off the stadium walls—a moment where history was written in the hearts of Los Angeles.

Reader's Guide

The Western Conference Title (2023) is the premier achievement for LAFC in their pursuit of regional dominance. Achieved during the 2023 MLS regular season, this honor signifies that LAFC finished with the best record among all teams in the Western Conference. This title was secured against a backdrop of fierce competition from traditional Western powers such as Seattle Sounders FC and Real Salt Lake. The significance lies in it being the club's first-ever conference championship, marking a transition from a competitive newcomer to an established elite force in MLS. The achievement served as the gateway to the MLS Cup Playoffs, granting LAFC home-field advantage throughout the early rounds. It validated the strategic vision of the front office and coaching staff, proving that the team could sustain high performance over a full season rather than relying on short bursts of form.

Did You Know?

• The 2023 season marked LAFC's second consecutive year finishing in the top two of the Western Conference standings, following their 2022 Supporters' Shield win.
• As the #2 seed, LAFC did not have home-field advantage over the #1 seed in the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
• This achievement came during a season where the team also finished as Supporters' Shield runners-up.
• LAFC's 2023 postseason run ended in the Western Conference Final, where they lost to the Houston Dynamo.

The Road to Redemption

After failing to qualify for the postseason two consecutive years and finishing just two points shy of a berth in 2022, the Columbus Crew underwent a dramatic transformation under new head coach Wilfried Nancy. Following the dismissal of Caleb Porter, the club adopted a possession-oriented style that leveraged wing play to create scoring opportunities. Although the season started with mixed results, including an injury to starting goalkeeper Eloy Room, rookie Patrick Schulte eventually secured the net and proved compatible with the new system. A mid-season slump saw the team drop in standings, but a sustained unbeaten run from late May through July revitalized their campaign. Strategic summer acquisitions, including Julian Gressel and Diego Rossi, bolstered the squad after key departures.

Playoff Dominance and Tactical Evolution

The Crew's path through the expanded five-round playoffs showed their grit and tactical range. They started against sixth-seeded Atlanta United FC in a unique best-of-three series format, winning the decisive third match at home to advance despite an away loss in the second leg. Their offense exploded as Cucho Hernández found the net twice in the opener. Moving deeper into the tournament, Columbus faced Orlando City SC in the Conference Semifinals, where they secured a 2–0 victory in extra time. This result broke a sixteen-match winless streak on the road during playoff matches that had plagued the franchise for years. By conquering these historical hurdles and surviving single-elimination rounds against higher-seeded opponents, the team proved the mental toughness needed to reach their third MLS Cup final in franchise history.

The Championship Match and MVP Performance

On December 9, 2023, at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, the Crew hosted defending champions Los Angeles FC for the 28th edition of the MLS Cup. Despite LAFC holding a perfect record with three prior victories against Columbus during the regular season, the home side secured a historic 2–1 victory to claim their third title. The match was defined by Cucho Hernández's pivotal performance; he scored the opening goal from a penalty kick and was subsequently named the Most Valuable Player of the game. This triumph not only avenged previous losses to LAFC but also capped off a season where Hernández led the team with 16 goals, earning him a spot on the MLS Best XI. The victory solidified Columbus's status as a premier franchise, overcoming the odds against a Western Conference powerhouse in front of their home fans.

Legacy and Continental Opportunities

Winning the 2023 MLS Cup secured significant international opportunities for the Columbus Crew beyond domestic glory. As champions, they earned an automatic berth in the round of 16 of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the premier club competition for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Although the team had already qualified for this tournament based on their Supporters' Shield standings, the championship win provided a strategic bye to the knockout stages. Furthermore, the title granted Columbus the right to host the 2024 Campeones Cup against the winner of Mexico's Campeón de Campeones. These achievements mark a new era for the club, transitioning from a team that narrowly missed playoffs in previous years to a continental contender with multiple pathways to international success.