MLS Cup 2020#Match
{{good article}}
{{short description|2020 edition of the MLS Cup}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox football match
| title = MLS Cup 2020
| image = Mapfre Stadium (Columbus, Ohio) - aerial photo.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Aerial view of Mapfre Stadium, the host venue of MLS Cup 2020
| event = MLS Cup
| team1 = Columbus Crew SC
| team1score = 3
| team2 = Seattle Sounders FC
| team2score = 0
| details =
| date = {{Start date|2020|12|12}}
| stadium = Mapfre Stadium
| man_of_the_match1aname = MLS Cup MVP
| man_of_the_match1a = Lucas Zelarayán {{nowrap|(Columbus Crew SC)}}{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Dylan |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew SC playmaker Lucas Zelarayan named MLS Cup MVP pres. by Audi |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/12/12/columbus-crew-sc-playmaker-lucas-zelarayan-named-mls-cup-mvp |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 13, 2020}}
| referee = Jair Marrufo
| attendance = 1,500
| weather = Cloudy, {{convert|48|°F|°C}}{{cite web |date=January 1, 2022 |title=MLS Cup winners |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-cup-winners |publisher=Major League Soccer |accessdate=November 25, 2022}}
| previous = 2019
| next = 2021
}}
MLS Cup 2020 was the 25th edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), and was played at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The match was originally set to take place on November 7, 2020, but was postponed to December 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the adjusted MLS season schedule. The match was contested by Columbus Crew SC and Seattle Sounders FC, the defending champions from MLS Cup 2019.
A limited crowd of 1,500 spectators was permitted to attend the match; it was the final playoff match played at Mapfre Stadium, which was replaced by a new stadium in 2021. Both teams had previously won the MLS Cup and were seeded to host their playoffs matches at their respective home stadiums.
The Crew won 3–0 to secure their second MLS Cup championship, scoring twice in the first half and preventing a Sounders comeback in the second half. MLS Cup MVP Lucas Zelarayán scored two goals and provided an assist to Derrick Etienne. Columbus manager Caleb Porter became the third coach to win the MLS Cup with different teams, repeating his feat from MLS Cup 2015, where the Portland Timbers defeated the Crew at Mapfre Stadium.
Road to the final
{{details|2020 MLS Cup Playoffs}}
The MLS Cup is the post-season championship of Major League Soccer (MLS), a professional club soccer league in the United States and Canada. The 2020 season was the 25th in MLS history, and was contested by 26 teams organized into the Eastern and Western conferences.{{cite news |last=Mather |first=Victor |date=February 28, 2020 |title=M.L.S. Hits Two Milestones: 25 Years and 26 Teams |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/28/sports/soccer/mls-preview-2020.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The 2020 regular season began on February 29, 2020, and was originally scheduled to conclude on October 4, 2020.{{cite news |title=When does the 2020 MLS season begin? All you need to know |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4001208/when-does-the-2020-mls-season-begin-all-you-need-to-know |access-date=February 12, 2020 |work=ESPN |date=December 23, 2019}} The league was divided into two conferences of 13 teams, with each scheduled to play a 34-game schedule with 17 each of home and away matches.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=December 2, 2019 |title=MLS breaks with tradition, will no longer have every team face every other team |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/12/02/mls-breaks-with-tradition-will-no-longer-have-every-team-face-every-other-team/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=February 12, 2020}} Each team was to play their intra-conference opponents twice—once home and once away for a total of 24 matches—and one match against 10 of the members of the opposite conference. The 2020 season was to be the first MLS season in which each team did not play every other team at least once.
File:Disney's Wide World of Sports (7426504780).jpg (pictured), both teams were eliminated in the Round of 16.]]
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused several matches to be cancelled, MLS suspended all play on March 12—the first total interruption of league play since the September 11 attacks in 2001.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=March 12, 2020 |title=MLS suspends matches for 30 days because of coronavirus outbreak |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/12/mls-schedule-suspended-coronavirus/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The league resumed play with the MLS is Back Tournament, a special tournament of regular season matches played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida, with 24 teams participating following the withdrawal of FC Dallas and Nashville SC.{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Tom |date=July 9, 2020 |title=Nashville follows Dallas, pulls out of MLS is Back Tournament after coronavirus tests |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/nashville-sc/story/4131378/nashville-follow-dallaspull-out-of-mls-is-back-tournament-after-coronavirus-tests |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The tournament, which included isolation of personnel and frequent COVID-19 testing, was organized into a group stage of three matches and a knockout bracket for the top 16 teams. It was played from July 8 to August 11 and concluded with the Portland Timbers defeating Orlando City SC.{{cite magazine |last=Creditor |first=Avi |date=August 11, 2020 |title=Best in the Bubble: Portland Timbers Win MLS Is Back Title |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/08/12/mls-is-back-final-orlando-city-portland-timbers |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=December 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=June 11, 2020 |title=MLS is Back Tournament: What we know about player testing, groups, schedule |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4110166/mls-is-back-tournament-what-we-know-about-player-testinggroupsschedule |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 7, 2020}}
MLS announced that the regular season would resume in home markets on August 12 with all teams playing a total of 23 matches over the course of several phases. The first phase comprised six matches between conference opponents for U.S. clubs, while FC Dallas and Nashville SC (who were moved to the Eastern Conference) played each other an additional three times to make up for missed matches from the MLS is Back Tournament.{{cite magazine |last=Creditor |first=Avi |date=August 8, 2020 |title=MLS Reveals Regular Season Resumption Plan, Expanded Playoffs for 2020 |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/08/08/mls-regular-season-schedule-resume-schedule-details-playoffs-fans |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The three Canadian clubs played six matches between themselves, as they were unable to play in the United States due to cross-border travel restrictions, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine.{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=September 11, 2020 |title=Canadian MLS teams head south for next phase of pandemic-rejigged schedule |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/mls-hartford-pandemic-schedule-1.5720576 |publisher=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The second phase began September 18 with clubs continuing to play intra-conference matches within a smaller geographic bubble; the three Canadian clubs played their home matches from temporary venues in the U.S.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=September 11, 2020 |title=MLS announces next phase of 2020 league schedule |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4178816/mls-announces-next-phase-of-2020-league-schedule |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The regular season concluded with Decision Day on November 8 and conference standings for the playoffs were determined by calculating points per game due to cancellations of matches late in the season, including an eight-match deficit for the Colorado Rapids after a COVID-19 outbreak.{{cite news |last=Mather |first=Victor |date=October 29, 2020 |title=In M.L.S., the Pandemic Changes the Playoff Match |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/29/sports/soccer/mls-playoffs.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Herrera |first=Sandra |date=October 30, 2020 |title=MLS to use points-per-game system to determine regular season standings and 2020 Audi Cup Playoffs seeding |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/mls-to-use-points-per-game-system-to-determine-regular-season-standings-and-2020-audi-cup-playoffs-seeding/ |work=CBS Sports |access-date=December 7, 2020}}
The MLS Cup Playoffs was contested using the single-elimination format adopted in 2019 by an expanded field of 18 teams—ten from the East and eight from the West. It began on November 20 with a play-in round for the four lowest seeds in the East and continued for four rounds hosted by the team with higher ranking as determined by points per game.{{cite press release |date=November 6, 2020 |title=MLS Announces Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs Schedule |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/11/06/mls-announces-audi-2020-mls-cup-playoffs-schedule |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=December 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=October 29, 2020 |title=MLS Cup playoff seedings, league standings to use points-per-game system |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4221293/mls-cup-playoff-seedingsleague-standings-to-use-points-per-game-system |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 7, 2020}} A scheduled international break in the FIFA International Match Calendar between Decision Day and the first playoff matches forced clubs to play without some players due to quarantine rules, despite league-funded charter flights to circumvent it.{{cite magazine |last=Straus |first=Brian |date=November 20, 2020 |title=MLS Reaches the Playoffs, but Completing Them Has a Distinct Set of Challenges |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/11/20/mls-playoffs-coronavirus-forfeits-international-duty |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=December 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Stejskal |first=Sam |date=November 13, 2020 |title=MLS playoffs to kick off without some big stars thanks to international call-ups |url=https://theathletic.com/2196413/2020/11/13/mls-playoffs-international-players/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The MLS Cup final was scheduled for December 12, its latest-ever staging.{{cite news |last=Serrano |first=Rodrigo |date=September 11, 2020 |title=MLS announces their new schedule and playoff format |url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/09/11/football/1599849488_828871.html |work=Diario AS |access-date=December 7, 2020}}
The finalists, Columbus Crew SC and Seattle Sounders FC, played each other in the 2010 U.S. Open Cup Final, which was won 2–1 by Seattle.{{cite news |last=Mayers |first=Joshua |date=October 5, 2010 |title=Sounders FC keeps U.S. Open Cup |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2013082694_sounders06.html |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009010423/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2013082694_sounders06.html |archive-date=October 9, 2010 |access-date=December 8, 2020}} The two teams had each previously won the MLS Cup, with the Crew defeating the New York Red Bulls in the 2008 final and losing in 2015 to the Portland Timbers.{{cite news |last=Arace |first=Michael |date=November 14, 2020 |title=On eve of MLS playoffs, Crew president Tim Bezbatchenko talks big picture |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/11/14/it-has-been-675-days-new-crew-management-whats-up-next-365/6278084002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The Sounders were appearing in their fourth MLS Cup final in five years, having played Toronto FC in their three previous finals—winning in 2016 and 2019 and losing in 2017.{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=December 8, 2020 |title='I don't know how we did it': Inside Sounders' miraculous comeback vs. Minnesota |url=https://theathletic.com/2247282/2020/12/08/sounders-minnesota-united-mls-playoffs/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 8, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Larry |date=December 7, 2020 |title=Sounders use 15 minutes of lunacy for epic rally, spot in MLS Cup final |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-use-15-minutes-of-lunacy-for-epic-rally-spot-in-mls-cup-final/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}} The Sounders and Crew played each other once in the 2020 regular season, on March 7 in Seattle, which finished in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=December 7, 2020 |title=2020 MLS Cup: Columbus Crew to play Seattle Sounders in championship game |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/12/07/columbus-crew-play-seattle-sounders-2020-mls-cup/6487179002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 8, 2020}}
=Columbus Crew SC=
{{main|2020 Columbus Crew SC season}}
The Columbus Crew underwent a major reorganization in January 2019, when the club's ownership was transferred from Anthony Precourt (who was awarded the rights to Austin FC by the league) to the Haslam and Edwards families. The Crew also announced the hiring of former Portland manager Caleb Porter and former Toronto FC team president Tim Bezbatchenko to rebuild the team ahead of the opening of a new stadium in 2021.{{cite magazine |last=Creditor |first=Avi |date=January 9, 2019 |title=Crew Complete Course Change From Relocation to Unlikely Rejuvenation |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/01/09/columbus-crew-haslam-edwards-porter-bezbatchenko-mls-garber |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The team missed the 2019 playoffs, finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference, but Porter and Bezbatchenko had begun rebuilding the roster with several acquisitions during the summer transfer window, including midfielders Luis Díaz and Youness Mokhtar.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=October 4, 2019 |title=Caleb Porter set for next phase in building Columbus Crew |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20191004/caleb-porter-set-for-next-phase-in-building-columbus-crew |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 9, 2020}}
The club declined options on several key players, including star midfielder Federico Higuaín and former captain Wil Trapp, and was left with 13 empty roster positions to fill with new offseason signings.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Team chemistry plays into Columbus Crew's offseason moves |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20191027/team-chemistry-plays-into-columbus-crews-offseason-moves |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 9, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=November 16, 2020 |title=First MLS playoffs in new era marks important moment for club's future |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/11/16/first-mls-playoffs-new-era-marks-important-moment-columbus-crew/6302579002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 7, 2020}} Columbus acquired midfielder Darlington Nagbe through a trade from Atlanta United FC and signed Lucas Zelarayán from UANL Tigres of Liga MX for a club-record $7 million transfer fee.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=December 18, 2019 |title=Columbus Crew pays team-record transfer fee for midfielder Lucas Zelarayan |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20191218/columbus-crew-pays-team-record-transfer-fee-for-midfielder-lucas-zelarayan |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=February 16, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew has whole new look for fans in 2020 |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200216/columbus-crew-has-whole-new-look-for-fans-in-2020 |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020}} Nagbe and Zelarayán were placed at the center of Porter's preferred 4–2–3–1 formation and went on to contribute to the team's improved 2020 performance despite injury issues.{{cite news |last=Arace |first=Michael |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew off to a good start in promising season |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200302/michael-arace--columbus-crew-off-to-good-start-in-promising-season |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=November 21, 2020 |title=Nagbe, Room, Zelarayan face first playoffs as key players to Columbus Crew's future |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/11/21/first-playoffs-columbus-crew-important-room-nagbe-zelarayan/6324791002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020}}
The Crew opened their season with a 1–0 win against New York City FC at home, with Zelarayán scoring on his league debut.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=March 1, 2020 |title=Lucas Zelarayan's goal in debut gives Crew season-opening win |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200301/crew-1-nyc-fc-0--lucas-zelarayanrsquos-goal-in-debut-gives-crew-season-opening-win |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001132227/https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200301/crew-1-nyc-fc-0--lucas-zelarayanrsquos-goal-in-debut-gives-crew-season-opening-win |url-status=dead }} Following a 1–1 draw with the Sounders in Seattle, the MLS season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the suspension, the club sent at-home workout plans and nutrition advice to its players, who were also monitored through video conferencing during training exercises.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=March 29, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew players balancing challenges of staying fit, parenting |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200329/columbus-crew-players-balancing-challenges-of-staying-fit-parenting |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=May 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502211708/https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200329/columbus-crew-players-balancing-challenges-of-staying-fit-parenting |url-status=dead }} Players returned to the Crew's training facility in on May 13 for individual workouts, which was replaced by group training on June 4 and full-team sessions on June 12.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=May 14, 2020 |title=Crew returns to practice facility for individual workouts as MLS explores return to play |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200514/crew-returns-to-practice-facility-for-individual-workouts-as-mls-explores-return-to-play |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805201409/https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200514/crew-returns-to-practice-facility-for-individual-workouts-as-mls-explores-return-to-play |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=June 28, 2020 |title=MLS is Back Tournament will test team's preparedness |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200628/columbus-crew--mls-is-back-tournament-will-test-teamrsquos-preparedness |work=The Columbus Dispatch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629071818/https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200628/columbus-crew--mls-is-back-tournament-will-test-teamrsquos-preparedness |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |access-date=December 10, 2020}}
Columbus was drawn into Group E at the MLS is Back Tournament alongside Atlanta United FC, in-state rivals FC Cincinnati, and the New York Red Bulls.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=June 11, 2020 |title=Crew 'hopeful' of playing before fans this season |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200611/crew-hopefulrsquo-of-playing-before-fans-this-season |work=The Columbus Dispatch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613093816/https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20200611/crew-hopefulrsquo-of-playing-before-fans-this-season |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |access-date=December 10, 2020}} The Crew topped Group E with three victories, all shutouts, and advanced to face Minnesota United FC in the Round of 16.{{cite magazine |date=July 21, 2020 |title=Columbus Takes Top Spot in Group E, Eliminates Atlanta From MLS Is Back Tournament |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/07/22/columbus-knocks-out-atlanta-mls-is-back |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=December 10, 2020}} Minnesota won 5–3 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw, with one shot from the Crew saved by goalkeeper Tyler Miller.{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Megan |date=July 29, 2020 |title=Minnesota United defeats Columbus on penalty kicks, advances in MLS is Back tournament |url=https://www.startribune.com/loons-defeat-columbus-on-penalty-kicks-advance-in-mls-is-back-tournament/571938832/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=December 10, 2020}}
The Crew resumed the regular season atop the Eastern Conference and remained there through late September. The team, playing mostly at home, went on a six-match unbeaten streak but lost Nagbe and Zelarayán to multi-week injuries.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=October 5, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew: Lucas Zelarayan ruled out vs. Montreal, Porter says 'probably a couple weeks' |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/10/05/columbus-crew-lucas-zelarayan-out-probably-couple-weeks-caleb-porter/3626321001/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=August 15, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=September 26, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew faces East contender Toronto FC to begin challenging stretch of road games |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/09/26/columbus-crew-toronto-fc-preview-challenging-stretch/3530069001/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=January 17, 2021}} The unbeaten streak was snapped by a 3–1 loss to Toronto, the first of several away matches that saw Columbus win only three of their remaining ten matches.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=November 22, 2020 |title=Notebook: Columbus Crew advances in playoffs on 'comprehensive' performance vs. Red Bulls |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/11/22/mls-cup-playoffs-crew-advances-comprehensive-win-vs-red-bulls/6364187002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=August 15, 2021}} The Crew finished third in the Eastern Conference, having tied Orlando City SC on points but bumped ahead by the wins tiebreaker, and were winless in away matches;{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=November 9, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew feels prepared for MLS Cup Playoffs after win vs. Atlanta |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/11/09/notebook-columbus-crew-feels-prepared-mls-cup-playoffs-atlanta-united/6214961002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=August 15, 2021}} the team went on to play the entire playoffs at home due to their seeding and regained Nagbe and Zelarayan, the latter of whom was named MLS Newcomer of the Year.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=November 13, 2020 |title=Lucas Zelarayan named 2020 MLS Newcomer of the Year |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/11/13/columbus-crew-lucas-zelarayan-named-2020-mls-newcomer-year/6278254002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=August 15, 2021}}
Columbus played New York Red Bulls in the first round of the playoffs following a week-long break after the regular season ended. The Crew conceded a 23rd-minute goal to the Red Bulls, but responded with three goals from Pedro Santos, Nagbe, and Gyasi Zardes to win 3–2. Ahead of their Conference Semifinals fixture against expansion side Nashville SC, the team lost seven players to positive COVID-19 tests, including starting goalkeeper Eloy Room and midfielder Derrick Etienne. The semifinal match, the last of the season to be played behind closed doors,{{cite news |last=Ward |first=Allison |date=December 5, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew fans find ways to support team from afar during MLS playoff run |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/12/05/columbus-crew-fans-support-team-afar-during-mls-playoff-run/6469493002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=August 16, 2021}} remained scoreless until extra time despite several chances from Nashville. Zardes assisted on the opening goal, finished by Pedro Santos in the 99th minute, and scored himself four minutes later to secure a 2–0 victory.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=November 29, 2020 |title=Columbus 2, Nashville SC 0: Crew wins in extra time, advances to Eastern Conference final |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/11/29/santos-zardes-score-extra-time-crew-advances-east-final/6459786002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=August 16, 2021}}
The Crew faced the eighth-seeded New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Final with 1,500 fans in attendance at Mapfre Stadium. Columbus advanced to their third MLS Cup final with a 1–0 win against New England, with the lone goal scored in the 59th minute by midfielder Artur after controlling the majority of shots but failing to create scoring chances.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=December 7, 2020 |title=Notebook: Columbus Crew beats New England Revolution for East title, third-ever MLS Cup berth |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/12/07/notebook-columbus-crew-beats-revolution-third-ever-mls-cup-berth/3848588001/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=August 16, 2021}}
=Seattle Sounders FC=
{{main|2020 Seattle Sounders FC season}}
The Sounders won their second MLS Cup in 2019 by defeating Toronto 3–1 at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The club retained most of their roster under head coach Brian Schmetzer, but lost midfielder Víctor Rodríguez and defenders Román Torres, Kim Kee-hee, and Brad Smith during the offseason.{{cite news |last=Rosano |first=Nick |date=February 17, 2020 |title=2020 Season Preview: Seattle Sounders |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/02/17/2020-season-preview-seattle-sounders |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=November 20, 2019 |title=Sounders decline contract options on MLS Cup MVP Victor Rodriguez, defender Roman Torres |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-decline-options-on-mls-cup-mvp-victor-rodriguez-defender-roman-torres/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 7, 2020}} In January 2020, Seattle signed central midfielder João Paulo to a Designated Player contract and also acquired defenders Yeimar Gómez Andrade and Shane O'Neill to fill open positions in the backline.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=January 31, 2020 |title=Sounders make major signing to bring in Brazilian midfielder Joao Paulo as third designated player |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-make-major-signing-to-bring-in-brazilian-midfielder-joao-paulo-as-third-designated-player/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=January 15, 2020 |title=New center back Shane O'Neill brings the Sounders a veteran presence — and fills a huge need |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/new-center-back-shane-oneill-brings-the-sounders-a-veteran-presence-and-fills-a-huge-need/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 7, 2020}} After a short preseason, the club played in the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League, where they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Honduran champions C.D. Olimpia, who won in a penalty shootout following a 4–4 draw on aggregate.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=February 27, 2020 |title=Sounders stunned in CONCACAF Champions League, losing in penalty shootout to visiting CD Olimpia |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-stunned-in-concacaf-champions-league-losing-on-penalty-kicks-to-visiting-cd-olimpia/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 7, 2020}}
Seattle opened the regular season in March with two matches at home played in front of crowds despite the severe COVID-19 outbreak in Washington state and a state of emergency declared by Governor Jay Inslee.{{cite news |last=Vorel |first=Mike |date=March 5, 2020 |title=Sounders' match Saturday to be played despite coronavirus concerns. But could other Seattle-area sporting events soon be affected? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders-match-saturday-to-be-played-despite-coronavirus-concerns-but-could-other-seattle-area-sporting-events-soon-be-affected/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The Sounders won 2–1 against the Chicago Fire in the first match as striker Jordan Morris scored twice in the second half to overcome an earlier deficit.{{cite news |last=Booth |first=Tim |date=March 1, 2020 |title=Fire surrender a stoppage-time goal to lose 2-1 to the Sounders in their season opener |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-seattle-sounders-20200301-2s5yn2alwfba5cxizs4jtwsw3y-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The following week, in front of the smallest attendance for a home match since 2009, the team drew 1–1 with the Columbus Crew.{{cite news |last=Booth |first=Tim |date=March 7, 2020 |title=Smaller crowd for Seattle's 1st major event since outbreak |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/seattle-set-1st-major-sports-event-virus-outbreak-69460595 |publisher=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The club suspended all operations until further notice on March 12, days before a planned away fixture with the Houston Dynamo; a home match against FC Dallas on March 21 had already been postponed due to the state government's ban on large events amid the pandemic.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=March 12, 2020 |title=Due to coronavirus concerns, Sounders cancel all operations at practice facility after MLS season suspension |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/due-to-coronavirus-concerns-sounders-cancel-all-operations-at-practice-facility-after-mls-season-suspension/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 7, 2020}}
The club organized virtual training sessions through video conferencing and nutrition plans to maintain fitness during the suspension, which was lifted for socially distant training at Starfire Sports on May 18 with approval from the state government.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=March 26, 2020 |title=How are Sounders staying fit during the coronavirus crisis? Creative workouts are required |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/how-are-sounders-staying-fit-during-the-coronavirus-crisis-creative-workouts-are-required/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=May 19, 2020 |title=With added safety measures in place, Sounders return to voluntary, individualized training at Starfire Sports |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/with-added-safety-measures-in-place-sounders-return-to-voluntary-individualized-training-at-starfire-sports/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}} The Sounders were seeded during the MLS is Back Tournament draw and placed in Group B alongside Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the San Jose Earthquakes, and FC Dallas, who later withdrew due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the club.{{cite news |date=June 11, 2020 |title=Sounders draw Group B for 'MLS is Back' Tournament. Here's who they'll face. |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-draw-group-b-for-mls-is-back-tournament-heres-who-theyll-face/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}} They finished second in Group B behind San Jose with a 1–1–1 record and a goal difference of +2.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=July 23, 2020 |title=Sounders finish second in Group B, will play LAFC in MLS is Back knockout round Monday |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-finish-second-in-group-b-will-play-first-knockout-round-game-monday-in-mls-is-back-tournament/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}} Seattle went on to be eliminated in the Round of 16 by Los Angeles FC, losing 4–1 due to several defensive mistakes.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=July 27, 2020 |title=Mistakes by Sounders make it easier for LAFC to knock them out of MLS is Back tournament |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/mistakes-by-sounders-make-it-easier-for-lafc-to-knock-them-out-of-mls-is-back-tournament/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}}
The Sounders returned to regular season play with a 3–0 victory against the Timbers in Portland that brought them to second place in the West,{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=August 23, 2020 |title=Raul Ruidiaz scores twice as Sounders return with win vs. Portland |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/raul-ruidiaz-scores-twice-as-sounders-return-with-win-vs-portland/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}} which was followed by the players cancelling an away match against the LA Galaxy by joining a multi-team boycott to protest racial injustice.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=August 26, 2020 |title=Sounders opt to sit out Wednesday's match against Galaxy in protest of racial injustice |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-players-involved-in-mls-discussions-on-whether-to-sit-out-wednesdays-match-in-protest-of-racial-injustice/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}} The team returned to play their first home match of the restarted regular season on August 30, defeating Los Angeles FC 3–1, followed two days later by an away match against Real Salt Lake that ended in a 2–2 draw.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=September 2, 2020 |title=Sounders forced to settle for tie on road against Real Salt Lake |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-forced-to-settle-for-tie-on-road-against-real-salt-lake/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 8, 2020}} The Sounders played their next three matches at home, losing 2–1 to the Timbers, but winning 7–1 against San Jose (setting a franchise record for goals scored) and 3–0 against Los Angeles FC to move to first in the Western Conference.{{cite news |date=September 18, 2020 |title=LAFC's struggles continue in 3-0 loss to Seattle Sounders |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2020-09-18/lafc-loses-seattle-sounders-mls-game |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 8, 2020}}
Following a loss to the Timbers, Seattle went on a three-match winning streak to continue their lead in the West and contend for the Supporters' Shield title.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=October 6, 2020 |title=The Sounders sit alone atop MLS's Western Conference, but a tough stretch without key players looms |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/the-sounders-sit-alone-atop-mlss-western-conference-but-a-tough-stretch-without-key-players-looms/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=October 11, 2020 |title=Sounders can't take advantage of their chances, see win streak snapped as LAFC puts together 3-1 victory |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-winning-streak-snapped-as-lafc-puts-together-3-1-defensive-gem/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}} Two defenders who left during the offseason, Brad Smith and Román Torres, returned to the club by early October to provide lineup flexibility ahead of the push to the playoffs, which came amid international call-ups for several starting players.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=October 2, 2020 |title=In return to Seattle, Roman Torres brings Sounders added flexibility and depth |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/in-return-to-seattle-roman-torres-brings-sounders-added-flexibility-and-depth/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}} A match on October 14 against the Colorado Rapids was postponed and later cancelled due to their COVID-19 outbreak; the Sounders were also without star forward Raúl Ruidíaz for two matches after he tested positive for COVID-19 while playing for the Peru national team.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=October 26, 2020 |title=Sounders forward Raul Ruidiaz expected to return against Vancouver |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounder-forward-raul-ruidiaz-expected-to-return-against-vancouver/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=October 18, 2020 |title=Sounders shut down by Earthquakes in scoreless draw |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-shut-down-by-earthquakes-in-scoreless-draw/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}} Seattle played to draws against San Jose and Portland before defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps to clinch their twelfth consecutive playoff berth.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=October 27, 2020 |title=Raul Ruidiaz returns as Sounders clinch playoff berth by blanking Vancouver |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/raul-ruidiaz-returns-as-sounders-clinch-playoff-berth-by-blanking-vancouver/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}} The Sounders fell to second in the West after losing 3–1 to the Colorado Rapids and tying 1–1 with the LA Galaxy, but won their Decision Day fixture against San Jose.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=November 1, 2020 |title=Rapids score needed win by denying Sounders chance at MLS's top seed |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/rapids-score-needed-win-by-denying-sounders-chance-at-mlss-top-seed/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=November 8, 2020 |title=Sounders secure No. 2 playoff seed with 4-1 drubbing of San Jose |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-secure-no-2-playoff-seed-with-4-1-drubbing-of-san-jose/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}}
The Sounders opened their playoffs campaign at home against seventh-place Los Angeles FC in a rematch of the previous Western Conference Final. While Seattle were expected to play with a full-strength squad, LAFC were missing several starting players who tested positive for COVID-19, among them MLS top goalscorer Diego Rossi and assists leader Brian Rodríguez.{{cite news |last=Baxter |first=Kevin |date=November 24, 2020 |title=LAFC's season once again ends in playoff loss to Seattle Sounders |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2020-11-24/lafc-2020-season-ends-sounders-mls-playoffs |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}} The home side won 3–1, with Ruidíaz scoring once and recording two assists as the team controlled possession against LAFC, who were unable to equalize after Carlos Vela missed an early penalty kick.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=November 24, 2020 |title=Nico Lodeiro's 18th-minute goal puts Sounders in control all night for 3-1 playoff victory |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-answer-quickly-when-needed-to-beat-lafc-3-1-advance-to-meet-dallas-next/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}} Seattle hosted the Conference Semifinals against FC Dallas, who had upset Portland as the sixth seed, but were without midfielder Gustav Svensson due to quarantine protocols following an international call-up.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Sounders heading into the unknown as they plunge deeper into the playoffs |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-heading-into-the-unknown-as-they-plunge-deeper-into-the-playoffs/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}} The match ended in a 1–0 victory for the Sounders, with the lone goal scored by defender Shane O'Neill, who headed in a corner kick in the 49th minute amid a defensive stalemate between the two teams.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Sounders fight past FC Dallas to reach Western Conference title match |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-fight-past-fc-dallas-to-reach-western-conference-title-match/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}}
Seattle hosted the Western Conference Final against Minnesota United FC, who had upset conference-leading Sporting Kansas City as the fourth seed with a 3–0 away victory.{{cite news |last=Zgoda |first=Jerry |date=December 4, 2020 |title=Minnesota United stuns Sporting KC, moves within one game of MLS Cup |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-stuns-sporting-kc-moves-within-one-game-of-mls-cup/573285841/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=December 9, 2020}} Minnesota led 2–0 early in the second half with a free kick scored by Emanuel Reynoso in the 27th minute and a header from Bakaye Dibassy in the 67th minute. The Sounders scored three goals in the final 18 minutes of the match to earn a 3–2 comeback victory, continuing a 15-match home unbeaten streak in the playoffs.{{cite news |last=Zgoda |first=Jerry |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Minnesota United collapses in final 18 minutes, falls to Sounders in Western final |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-collapses-in-final-18-minutes-falls-to-sounders-in-western-final/573327231/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=December 9, 2020}} Will Bruin scored two minutes after entering the match in the 73rd minute and was followed by an equalizer from Raúl Ruidíaz in the 89th minute, who shot off a rebound after a corner kick was deflected to him. Midfielder Gustav Svensson, who had returned from a COVID quarantine, scored the winning goal with a header in the third minute of stoppage time.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=December 7, 2020 |title=Sound the Alarms! Sounders FC mounts incredible rally to win Western Conference title 3-2 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sound-the-alarms-sounders-fc-mounts-incredible-rally-to-win-western-conference-title-3-2/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 9, 2020}}
=Summary of results=
:Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away).
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| colspan=2|Columbus Crew SC
!Round !colspan=2|Seattle Sounders FC |
|---|
| colspan=2 valign=top|3rd place in Eastern Conference
{{2020 Major League Soccer Eastern Conference table|only_pld_pts=yes|showteam=CLB|show_limit=8}} {{legend0|#BBF3FF|border=1px solid black}}{{legend0|#FFFEBB|Qualified for playoffs|border=1px solid black}} |style="background:#c1e0ff"|Regular season |colspan=2 valign=top|2nd place in Western Conference {{2020 Major League Soccer Western Conference table|only_pld_pts=yes|showteam=SEA|show_limit=8}} {{legend0|#BBF3FF|border=1px solid black}}{{legend0|#FFFEBB|Qualified for playoffs|border=1px solid black}} |
| style="background:#c1e0ff"
|Opponent |Score |Opponent |Score |
| align=left|New York Red Bulls
|3–2 (H) |style="background:#c1e0ff"|First round |align=left|Los Angeles FC |3–1 (H) |
| align=left|Nashville SC
|2–0 {{aet}} (H) |style="background:#c1e0ff"|Conference Semifinals |align=left|FC Dallas |1–0 (H) |
| align=left|New England Revolution
|1–0 (H) |style="background:#c1e0ff"|Conference Finals |align=left|Minnesota United FC |3–2 (H) |
Venue
File:Columbus Crew v Portland Timbers 07-25-11.jpeg
The MLS Cup final was played at Mapfre Stadium, the home venue of the Columbus Crew, who finished ahead of the Seattle Sounders on points per game. It opened in 1999 as the first soccer-specific stadium to be built for a MLS team and was replaced during the 2021 season by the new Lower.com Field in the Arena District.{{cite news |last=Colombo |first=Hayleigh |date=December 7, 2020 |title=MLS Cup in Columbus: Crew SC owner Pete Edwards on Mapfre's poetic send-off |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/12/07/mls-cup-final-columbus-mapfre-stadium.html |work=Columbus Business First |access-date=December 7, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Dylan |date=December 7, 2020 |title=MAPFRE Stadium to host one more big game with 2020 MLS Cup: "It's going to be a hell of a final" |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/12/07/mapfre-stadium-host-one-more-big-game-2020-mls-cup-it-s-going-be-hell-final |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 7, 2020}} Mapfre Stadium previously hosted the MLS Cup in 2001 and 2015.{{cite news |last=Creditor |first=Avi |date=December 7, 2020 |title=A First Look at the Columbus Crew vs. Seattle Sounders 2020 MLS Cup |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/12/08/mls-cup-columbus-crew-seattle-sounders |work=Sports Illustrtated |access-date=December 7, 2020}} Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 20,000-seat venue was limited to 1,500 spectators in distanced seating to comply with local regulations.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew: Mapfre Stadium capacity expected to stay at 1,500 for MLS Cup on Saturday |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/12/09/columbus-crew-capacity-mls-cup-expected-stay-mapfre-stadium-seattle-sounders/6498429002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 12, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Two soccer fans have attended every MLS Cup, and they're not stopping now |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/12/10/mls-cup-fans/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=December 10, 2020}} Earlier in the season, MLS officials had also prepared contingency plans to move the MLS Cup final to a neutral venue, such as Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in the event that a host market restricted all sporting activities.{{cite news |last1=Carlisle |first1=Jeff |last2=Bonagura |first2=Kyle |date=December 4, 2020 |title=MLS making contingency plans for final, could use neutral site - sources |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4253497/mls-making-contingency-plans-for-cup-finalcould-use-neutral-site-sources |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 10, 2020}} A statewide COVID-19 curfew issued on December 10 by Ohio governor Mike DeWine exempted the match and other sporting events held in large outdoor venues.{{cite news |last=Ludlow |first=Randy |date=December 10, 2020 |title=Gov. Mike DeWine extends Ohio COVID-19 curfew to Jan. 2 but exempts Crew championship game |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2020/12/10/gov-mike-dewine-extend-covid-19-curfew-issue-new-county-virus-ratings/3876807001/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020}}
Broadcasting
The match was broadcast in English by Fox in the United States and TSN in Canada. UniMás and Univision Deportes carried the Spanish broadcast in the United States, while TVA Sports carried the French broadcast in Canada.{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Dylan |date=December 2, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew SC vs. Seattle Sounders FC: How to watch and stream |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/12/02/columbus-crew-sc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc-how-watch-and-stream |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 7, 2020}} The match was also broadcast in 190 countries by several international networks, including ESPN Latin America, BeIN Sports, and Abu Dhabi Sports.{{cite news |date=February 20, 2020 |title=MLS reveals largest ever lineup of international media deals for 2020 season |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/02/20/mls-reveals-largest-ever-lineup-international-media-deals-2020-season |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 15, 2020}} The MLS Cup final was watched by 1.071 million spectators on Fox, an increase of 30 percent from 2019, and 459,000 on UniMás in the United States.{{cite news |date=December 15, 2020 |title=FOX reports 30 percent viewership spike for MLS Cup |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/sports-pmn/fox-reports-30-percent-viewership-spike-for-mls-cup |work=The National Post |agency=Reuters |access-date=December 15, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Paul |date=December 15, 2020 |title=TV: MLS Cup draws more than 1.5 million viewers, up 20 percent from 2019 |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/87580/tv-mls-cup-draws-more-than-15-million-viewers-u.html |work=Soccer America |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 22, 2020}}
Match
=Pre-match=
Two days before the match, the Columbus Crew announced that two players had tested positive for COVID-19 and would not be able to play; Darlington Nagbe, Pedro Santos, and Vito Wormgoor were listed as being "medically not cleared to play".{{cite news |date=December 10, 2020 |title=2 Crew SC players test positive for COVID-19 ahead of MLS Cup |url=https://www.10tv.com/article/sports/2-crew-sc-players-test-positive-in-week-before-mls-cup/530-c785448c-a6d6-4ea2-946a-b353e913b65b |publisher=10 WBNS |access-date=December 10, 2020}} Eight Columbus players had previously tested positive for COVID during the MLS Cup Playoffs, but recovered and were allowed to play.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=December 10, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew: A second player tests positive for COVID-19; Nagbe, Santos out for MLS Cup |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/12/10/columbus-crew-darlington-nagbe-pedro-santos-out-mls-cup/3890337001/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 10, 2020}} The Sounders also announced that defender Xavier Arreaga, who had not played in the playoffs, would miss the match as he had remained in Seattle to await the birth of his child.{{cite news |last=Bogert |first=Tom |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Seattle Sounders defender Xavier Arreaga set to miss MLS Cup against Columbus Crew |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/seattle-sounders-defender-xavier-arreaga-set-miss-mls-cup-against-columbus-crew |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 11, 2020}} Seattle was named as favorites to win the MLS Cup by FiveThirtyEight,{{cite news |last=Sigal |first=Jonathan |date=December 4, 2020 |title=FiveThirtyEight: Seattle Sounders favored to win second straight MLS Cup |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/fivethirtyeight-seattle-sounders-favored-win-second-straight-mls-cup |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=September 5, 2021}} ESPN FC,{{cite news |date=December 11, 2020 |title=MLS Cup preview: Seattle to cement dynasty or Columbus winning at home? Predictions, tactics, more |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4258010/mls-cup-preview-is-seattle-mls-greatest-dynasty-can-porter-make-up-for-crews-2015-heartbreak |publisher=ESPN |access-date=September 5, 2021}} and USA Today based on their experience and stronger projected lineup.{{cite news |date=December 12, 2020 |title=2020 MLS Cup predictions: Will Columbus Crew or Seattle Sounders emerge as champions? |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2020/12/12/mls-cup-2020-columbus-crew-seattle-sounders-title-game-predictions/3892358001/ |work=USA Today |access-date=September 5, 2021}}{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=December 11, 2020 |title='We believe we're going to win this Cup again': Sounders remain confident and focused ahead of MLS Cup match with Columbus Crew |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/we-believe-were-going-to-win-this-cup-again-sounders-remain-confident-and-focused-ahead-of-mls-cup-match-with-columbus-crew/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 5, 2021}}
Jair Marrufo was announced as the head referee for the match, having previously officiated two MLS Cup finals in 2006 and 2015, the latter of which was also held at Mapfre Stadium.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=December 11, 2020 |title=MLS Cup: Referees of controversial no-call in 2015 return to Mapfre Stadium for Crew-Sounders |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/12/11/referees-controversial-call-return-mls-cup-crew-sounders/6515004002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=January 19, 2021}} Kathryn Nesbitt was announced as an assistant referee, becoming the first woman to referee a championship match in North American professional men's sports.{{cite web |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Jair Marrufo to referee MLS Cup; Kathryn Nesbitt to become first woman to officiate men's championship match |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/12/11/jair-marrufo-referee-mls-cup-kathryn-nesbitt-become-first-woman-officiate-mens |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 11, 2020}}
=Summary=
The match kicked off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time at Mapfre Stadium in front of 1,500 spectators. Both teams fielded their starting lineup in a 4–2–3–1 formation, with Columbus making several key changes, including starting 19-year-old Aidan Morris, setting a record for youngest MLS Cup starter; Seattle had an unchanged lineup from the Conference Final.{{cite news |last=Bogert |first=Tom |date=December 12, 2020 |title=MLS Cup 2020 lineups: Columbus Crew, Seattle Sounders name starting XIs |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-cup-2020-lineups-columbus-crew-seattle-sounders-name-starting-xis |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=September 5, 2021}} After trading various chances, the Crew earned four set-pieces and had the first major shot on goal, as Gyasi Zardes's shot off a corner kick rebound in the 17th minute was saved by Stefan Frei;{{cite news |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Sounders MLS Cup GameCenter: Live updates, highlights, how to watch, stream |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-mls-cup-gamecenter-live-updates-highlights-how-to-watch-stream/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 5, 2021}}{{cite magazine |last=Creditor |first=Avi |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew Win 2020 MLS Cup Behind Zelarayan's Epic Final |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/12/13/mls-cup-video-highlights-columbus-crew-seattle-sounders |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=September 5, 2021}} an immediate counter-attack by the Sounders led to a strike by Jordan Morris from outside of the penalty area that went wide of the goal.{{cite web |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew vs. Seattle Sounders FC – Football Match Commentary |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/commentary?gameId=588150 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=September 5, 2021}}
Columbus opened the scoring in the 25th minute after a cross to the backpost from Harrison Afful found Lucas Zelarayán, whose left-footed volley rolled into the goal after deflecting off Frei.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=December 13, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew was counted out, then it trounced the Seattle Sounders to win MLS Cup |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/12/13/despite-missing-two-top-players-inspired-columbus-crew-wins-mls-cup/6529573002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=September 5, 2021}} The Crew extended their lead six minutes later as Zelarayán received a cleared header at the top of the penalty area, faked a shot, and provided a square ball to Derrick Etienne, who scored with a curling shot.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Jayda |date=December 12, 2020 |title='This game was a failure': Sounders run out of magic in 3-0 loss to Columbus Crew in MLS Cup |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-run-out-of-magic-in-3-0-loss-to-columbus-crew-in-mls-cup/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 5, 2021}} After attempts by Nouhou for Seattle and Aidan Morris for Columbus were deflected over the goal, the first half ended at 2–0. The Crew entered halftime with an 8–2 lead in shots and the majority of possession.
The Sounders brought on leftback Brad Smith and midfielder Gustav Svensson at halftime and had several unsuccessful chances to score, including two Cristian Roldan shots and a deflection off Afful that turned into a conceded corner kick instead of an own goal. After a few missed attempts from Columbus, Seattle captain Nicolás Lodeiro received a laid-off ball from Jordan Morris at the top of the penalty area that he converted for a wide shot in the 71st minute that narrowly missed the outer post. Svensson added his own attempt with a header three minutes later that also went wide.{{cite news |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Lucas Zelarayán leads Columbus Crew to 2nd MLS Cup title with 3-0 win over Seattle Sounders |url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/lucas-zelarayan-columbus-crew-mls-cup-seattle-sounders-20201213.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |agency=Associated Press |access-date=September 5, 2021}}
Columbus goalkeeper Eloy Room made a one-handed save on a header from Jordan Morris in the 80th minute to preserve a shutout. Two minutes later, Zelarayán received a pass from Luis Díaz and scored his second goal of the match with a left-footed, upper-corner shot to extend the lead to three goals. The Sounders eventually took the majority of possession but were unable to convert their remaining chances, including a long-distance strike from Raúl Ruidíaz in stoppage time, into a consolation goal. The Crew won 3–0, clinching their second MLS Cup title.{{cite news |last=Das |first=Andrew |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Columbus Wins M.L.S. Cup, the Final Stop on a Journey to Stay Put |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/12/sports/soccer/columbus-crew-mls-cup.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 5, 2021}}
=Details=
|date = {{Start date|2020|12|12}}
|time = 8:30 PM EST
|team1 = Columbus Crew SC
|score = 3–0
|report = https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-12-12-columbus-crew-sc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/boxscore
|team2 = Seattle Sounders FC
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = Mapfre Stadium
|location = Columbus, Ohio
|attendance = 1,500
|referee = Jair Marrufo
}}
| width=92% |
| {{Football kit
|pattern_la = _columbus20a |pattern_b = _columbus20a |pattern_ra = _columbus20a |pattern_sh = _columbus20a |pattern_so = _columbus20a |leftarm = 000000 |body = 000000 |rightarm = 000000 |shorts = 000000 |socks = 000000 |title = {{nowrap|Columbus Crew SC}} }} |{{Football kit |pattern_la = _sounders20h |pattern_b = _sounders20h |pattern_ra = _sounders20h |pattern_sh = _sounders20h |pattern_so = _sounders20h |leftarm = 39AD04 |body = 39AD04 |rightarm = 39AD04 |shorts = 003E81 |socks = 39AD04 |title = {{nowrap|Seattle Sounders FC}} }} |
| width="100%"
|valign="top" width="40%"| {| style="font-size:90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" | ||||
| width=25| | width=25| | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | 1 | {{flagicon|CUW}} Eloy Room | ||
| RB | 25 | {{flagicon|GHA}} Harrison Afful | ||
| CB | 4 | {{flagicon|GHA}} Jonathan Mensah (c) | ||
| CB | 3 | {{flagicon|USA}} Josh Williams | ||
| LB | 19 | {{flagicon|ARG}} Milton Valenzuela | ||
| CM | 21 | {{flagicon|USA}} Aidan Morris | ||
| CM | 8 | {{flagicon|BRA}} Artur | {{suboff|88}} | |
| RW | 12 | {{flagicon|CRC}} Luis Díaz | {{suboff|90}} | |
| AM | 10 | {{flagicon|ARM}} Lucas Zelarayán | ||
| LW | 22 | {{flagicon|HAI}} Derrick Etienne | {{suboff|83}} | |
| CF | 11 | {{flagicon|USA}} Gyasi Zardes | ||
| colspan=3|Substitutes: | ||||
| GK | 13 | {{flagicon|USA}} Andrew Tarbell | ||
| DF | 14 | {{flagicon|CRC}} Waylon Francis | {{subon|90}} | |
| DF | 30 | {{flagicon|USA}} Aboubacar Keita | ||
| MF | 16 | {{flagicon|USA}} Hector Jiménez | {{subon|83}} | |
| MF | 20 | {{flagicon|GHA}} Emmanuel Boateng | ||
| MF | 26 | {{flagicon|USA}} Fatai Alashe | {{subon|88}} | |
| MF | 34 | {{flagicon|MAR}} Youness Mokhtar | ||
| FW | 9 | {{flagicon|NGA}} Fanendo Adi | ||
| FW | 29 | {{flagicon|HUN}} Krisztián Németh | ||
| colspan=3|Manager: | ||||
| colspan=3|{{flagicon|USA}} Caleb Porter |
|valign="top"|300px
|valign="top" width="50%"|
| style="font-size:90%; margin:auto" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" | ||||
| width=25| | width=25| | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | 24 | {{flagicon|SUI}} Stefan Frei | ||
| RB | 16 | {{flagicon|USA}} Alex Roldan | {{suboff|60}} | |
| CB | 28 | {{flagicon|COL}} Yeimar Gómez Andrade | ||
| CB | 27 | {{flagicon|USA}} Shane O'Neill | {{suboff|77}} | |
| LB | 5 | {{flagicon|CMR}} Nouhou Tolo | {{suboff|46}} | |
| CM | 7 | {{flagicon|USA}} Cristian Roldan | ||
| CM | 6 | {{flagicon|BRA}} João Paulo | {{yel|28}} | {{suboff|60}} |
| RW | 33 | {{flagicon|TRI}} Joevin Jones | {{suboff|46}} | |
| AM | 10 | {{flagicon|URU}} Nicolás Lodeiro (c) | ||
| LW | 13 | {{flagicon|USA}} Jordan Morris | ||
| CF | 9 | {{flagicon|PER|football}} Raúl Ruidíaz | ||
| colspan=3|Substitutes: | ||||
| GK | 30 | {{flagicon|USA}} Stefan Cleveland | ||
| DF | 2 | {{flagicon|AUS}} Brad Smith | {{yel|49}} | {{subon|46}} |
| DF | 18 | {{flagicon|SUR}} Kelvin Leerdam | {{subon|60}} | |
| DF | 29 | {{flagicon|PAN}} Román Torres | ||
| DF | 94 | {{flagicon|COL}} Jimmy Medranda | {{subon|77}} | |
| MF | 4 | {{flagicon|SWE}} Gustav Svensson | {{subon|46}} | |
| MF | 8 | {{flagicon|MTQ|football-old}} Jordy Delem | ||
| MF | 11 | {{flagicon|USA}} Miguel Ibarra | ||
| FW | 17 | {{flagicon|USA}} Will Bruin | {{subon|60}} | |
| colspan=3|Manager: | ||||
| colspan=3|{{flagicon|USA}} Brian Schmetzer |
|}
| width=100% style="font-size:90%"
| MLS Cup MVP:
|style="width:60%; vertical-align:top;"|
|
Post-match
The Columbus Crew became the seventh team to win multiple MLS Cups and the seventh to score three or more goals in the title match.{{cite news |date=December 13, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew SC beats Seattle Sounders 3-0 to capture MLS Cup |url=https://www.soccerwire.com/news/columbus-crew-sc-beats-seattle-sounders-3-0-to-capture-mls-cup/ |work=SoccerWire |access-date=September 5, 2021}} Caleb Porter became the third coach to win MLS Cup titles with multiple teams, having also won in 2015 with the Portland Timbers at Mapfre Stadium.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=December 13, 2020 |title=Columbus Crew roars past Seattle Sounders to win MLS Cup behind Lucas Zelarayan's dominance |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/12/12/columbus-crew-mls-cup-seattle-sounders/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 5, 2021}} Lucas Zelarayán was named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player and became the first player to score twice in an MLS Cup since Alecko Eskandarian in 2004. The playoffs winning streak for Seattle Sounders FC was halted at eight matches, tied for the longest MLS Cup Playoffs streak in the post-shootout era.{{cite news |last=Krasnoo |first=Ryan |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Seattle Sounders fall to Columbus Crew SC 3-0 in MLS Cup 2020 |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/news/seattle-sounders-fall-columbus-crew-sc-3-0-mls-cup-2020 |work=SoundersFC.com |publisher=Seattle Sounders FC |access-date=September 5, 2021}}
A virtual celebration for the Crew was held at Mapfre Stadium on December 13 in lieu of the traditional victory parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with speeches from Bezbatchenko, Porter, and several players. The club announced plans for a large in-person event at a later date after pandemic restrictions were lifted.{{cite news |last=Colombo |first=Hayleigh |date=December 14, 2020 |title='It would have been the party of the century': For Crew fans, joy and muted celebrations after MLS Cup win |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/12/14/columbus-crew-celebrations-mls-cup.html |work=Columbus Business First |access-date=September 5, 2021}}
As MLS Cup champions, Columbus earned a berth in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, the premier international club competition in North America. They were seeded into Pot 1 and faced Nicaraguan club Real Estelí FC in the Round of 16, winning 4–0 away and 1–0 at home to advance 5–0 on aggregate.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Bradley Wright-Phillips scores winner, Columbus Crew advances to quarterfinals of CONCACAF Champions League |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/04/15/wright-phillips-scores-crew-advances-concacaf-champions-league-quarterfinals/7234869002/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=September 5, 2021}} In the quarterfinals, the Crew drew 2–2 with Mexican champions Monterrey at home but were eliminated after a 3–0 away loss.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=May 5, 2021 |title=Columbus Crew knocked out of CONCACAF Champions League in 3-0 loss at Monterrey |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/05/05/crew-knocked-out-concacaf-champions-league-monterrey/4965418001/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=September 5, 2021}} The Crew also qualified for the 2021 Campeones Cup, where they defeated Liga MX champion Cruz Azul 2–0 at Lower.com Field on September 29, 2021.{{cite news |last=Myers |first=Jacob |date=September 29, 2021 |title=Columbus Crew wins Campeones Cup, shuts out Liga MX's Cruz Azul |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/09/29/columbus-crew-wins-campeones-cup-shuts-out-liga-mxs-cruz-azul/5923588001/ |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=September 29, 2021}}
Notes
{{reflist|group=note}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/competition/mls-playoffs MLS Cup Playoffs]
{{MLS Cup}}
{{2020 in American soccer}}
{{2020 in Canadian soccer}}
{{Columbus Crew matches}}
{{Seattle Sounders FC matches}}
{{portalbar|Association football}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:MLS Cup 2020}}
Category:2020 Major League Soccer season
Category:2020 in sports in Ohio
Category:December 2020 sports events in the United States
Category:Association football events postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Category:21st century in Columbus, Ohio
Category:Columbus Crew matches