Columbus Crew’s Darlington Nagbe Overwhelmed with Emotion After MLS Cup Victory
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Darlington Nagbe, midfielder for the Columbus Crew, couldn’t hold back tears after his team’s tense but unforgettable victory over LAFC in the MLS Cup final. This win marked Nagbe’s fourth MLS Cup title, putting him in elite company as the 10th player in MLS history to achieve this feat. However, the depth of Nagbe’s emotion can be traced back to three years ago when he returned to his Ohio roots with the Crew after nine years in MLS. Nagbe’s desire to win a championship in his home state was fulfilled on Saturday.
Nagbe’s Emotional Journey
After winning an MLS Cup in the previous season, Nagbe was unable to play in the final due to a positive COVID-19 test. This year, his teammate Aidan Morris, who replaced him in the lineup, played a crucial role in the victory over LAFC. The bond between Nagbe and Morris was evident as they embraced each other after the game. Nagbe expressed his admiration for Morris, stating that he is the heartbeat of the team and it is an honor to play alongside him.
Nagbe and Morris: The Foundation of the Crew’s Success
Columbus manager Wilfried Nancy has emphasized the importance of playing with courage and taking risks, and Nagbe and Morris embody these qualities. Morris won an impressive 70% of his duels, while Nagbe excelled with an 87.5% success rate. Their partnership in midfield allowed Columbus to control the game and secure the victory. Team president Tim Bezbatchenko praised their unique partnership, stating that they make each other better on and off the field.
A Dominant Performance
In the first half, Columbus attacked relentlessly, eventually breaking through LAFC’s defense with two goals in a four-minute span. Diego Palacios’ handball resulted in a penalty, which Cucho Hernández converted. Shortly after, Malte Amundsen provided a perfect through ball to Yaw Yeboah, who scored the second goal. Despite LAFC’s efforts to regroup in the second half, Columbus maintained their lead and played smart, tactical football to secure the win.
Nancy Makes History as the First Black MLS Cup-Winning Manager
With this victory, Wilfried Nancy became the first Black manager to win an MLS Cup title. While he expressed pride in this achievement, he also acknowledged that it should not have taken this long for a Black manager to claim the title. Nancy emphasized the need for change and representation in the sport.
As the rain continued to fall after the game, Nagbe and his teammates celebrated their hard-earned victory. The confetti on the ground served as a reminder of their accomplishment, and Nagbe reflected on the team’s dedication and sacrifice throughout the year. He expressed confidence in their abilities, stating, “We know we’re the best.”