MLS Cup Final 2020: Columbus Crew vs Seattle Sounders – tactical analysis

At the end of the MLS season, two clubs from both the Western and Eastern Conference clashed at the iconic MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Crew and the Seattle Sounders were able to provide intriguing storylines in the build-up to the match.

After emerging victorious from the Eastern Conference Final, Columbus were playing in their third Cup final in club history. The Crew were looking to win their second final, albeit without some key players. Caleb Porter was without midfield general Darlington Nagbe and Portuguese winger Pedro Santos. 

The Seattle Sounders scored two goals in stoppage time against Minnesota to get to their fourth final in five years. Led by the stoic Brian Schmetzer, the Sounders were aiming to cement their status as the latest dynasty in the league. 

In the end, the Columbus Crew dominated Seattle with a well rounded and confident performance. This tactical analysis will look at how the Crew maintained their style of play without two key players, and how the Sounders’ potent attack was suffocated by Columbus.

Lineups

Columbus Crew 4-2-3-1

While there were the obvious absences, Porter kept the Crew in a shape and playing style they were familiar with. Replacing Nagbe was 19 year old Aidan Morris, the youngest player to start in an MLS final. Derrick Etienne Jr. started on the left for Santos. While Columbus would miss out on the former Braga midfielder’s attacking threat, they could count on Gyasi Zardes and Lucas Zelarayán for attacking output. Eloy Room started between the posts for the first time in two weeks.

Seattle Sounders 4-2-3-1

Schmetzer called upon his trusted starting 11 to face Columbus. The Sounders attack was spearheaded by Raúl Ruidíaz, Jordan Morris and former Ajax man Nico Lodeiro. This attacking trio has scored 26 goals and assisted 13 times. Seattle also looked to lean on the creativity of the Roldán brothers, who have contributed with six assists.