Description
Match Date: December 9, 2023
Competition: MLS Cup Final
Location: Lower.com Field
Match Story:
Guided by new head coach in Wilfried Nancy, Columbus took some time adapting to the Frenchman’s system in 2023. They lost 6 of their first 14 matches and drew a handful of others, before finding their collective feet midseason and eventually earning the 3rd overall seed in the playoffs. There they faced a tricky path, facing down and defeating former champs Atlanta, the 2-seed Orlando, and then the regular season champion and in-state rivals Cincinnati in the conference final. That earned them a home final against defending champions Los Angeles. Columbus dominated from the first whistle, their signature possession style overwhelming the visitors and leading to first half goals from Cucho Hernández and Yaw Yeboah. And though LA pulled one back late in the second half, Nancy’s men had enough in them to hold on to the win and earn Columbus their third title.
Design Story:
The match side of the wristband takes its inspiration from the smoke that bellows from the Nordecke each home match, the match timeline flanked by the powerstation smokestack that rises next to the stadium. On the reverse is a design reminiscent of the geometric pattern in the stands in Columbus’ new Arena District home.
