Columbus Crew aim for third trophy in one year in Campeones Cup

Cucho Hernandez could barely take his eyes off the Campeones Cup trophy when he saw it in person on Tuesday, the day before the Crew's match against Liga MX's Club America.

The Campeones Cup is a one-game competition between the previous season's MLS Cup champions and Liga MX's Campeón de Campeones, which translates to Champion of Champions in Spanish. The champion vs champion format is similar to the Community Shield in England, pinning the English Premier League's champions against the FA Cup tournament winner.

First played in 2018, Campeones Cup lacks the history or the weeks-long buildup that the other trophies the Crew have played for this season , but there is still excitement for the game surrounding the club.

"Internally we do realize it’s a big deal," Crew general manager Issa Tall said. "Campeones seems fresh to this league, but for most of us that follow world soccer, we know the Community Shield. And in France, they have the Champions Trophy, they call it, which is similar to what we have In Campeones Cup."

After winning the 2020 MLS Cup , the Crew competed for the 2021 Campeones Cup , and defeated CF Cruz Azul 2-0 for the title at Lower.com Field. Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe is one of the three players still with the Crew who was on the roster for its first Campeones Cup.

"Obviously, it was a great game," Nagbe said. "Got to host that game as well here. So expecting our fans to show like they did, but I expect their (Club America) fans to be here as well to support their team. So definitely a bigger game and good environment."

The Crew will be facing a different opponent in this year's Campeones Cup, Club America, a team that Columbus has played against at Lower.com Field once before.

In the 2023 Leagues Cup, the Crew and Club America met in the final group stage game for both clubs. Hours before the game, Columbus announced the transfer of designated player Lucas Zelarayan to Saudi Pro League's Al Fateh.

Zelarayan's departure, which was followed by the signing of forward Diego Rossi two days later, was the beginning of a new chapter for the Crew under coach Wilfried Nancy.

Starting with a 4-1 victory over Club America in the Leagues Cup tournament , the Crew played that game without key pieces who helped the club win the 2023 MLS Cup title and are still on the roster, such as Rossi and defender Rudy Camacho.

"We have a competitive team," Nancy said. "I am really happy with the team that I have. Last year is last year. This year is a new year. So it's going to be a good game against a good team. I like to play against them because it's a good tactical battle, and also it's good intensity."

With a recent Leagues Cup title , the Crew have the chance to win a third trophy in less than a year. They also have the chance to become the first MLS club to win a second Campeones Cup and are already the first to compete in the match multiple times.

Along with the fact that Hernandez views the Campeones Cup trophy as the "most beautiful trophy" the Crew have played for this season, Hernandez acknowledged continuing to make history with Columbus is why his full focus is on the Campeones Cup and its trophy.

"To be honest, I didn't think (we would have) this many trophies," Hernandez said. "We have the opportunity to win another cup. It's crazy, when you think about this. But everything is a process, a long process, and we deserve it. We deserve to be right here."

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew aim for third trophy in one year in Campeones Cup