CELTIC’S £3million target Mateusz Bogusz saw his Los Angeles side collapse to two stoppage-time strikes to lose 3-1 to Columbus Crew in the Leagues Cup Final this morning.
The Poland-born midfielder was playing what looks like being his last game for the MLS club and he wanted to bow out in style.
The champions saw discussions stall while Bogusz and his team-mates prepared for the showpiece encounter in Ohio.
THE EQUALISER…Mateusz Bogusz (right) joins in the celebrations after setting up Olivier Giroud for the leveller in the MLS Leagues Cup Final.
Crew took the lead through Cucho Hernandez in the 45th minute, but former Arsenal favourite Olivier Giroud levelled 12 minutes after the turnaround following an expertly-taken left-wing corner-kick from the Hoops’ wanted man.
Bogusz was withdrawn just after the hour mark with striker Cristian Olivera taking his place as LA piled forward in their search for the silverware.
However, their hopes were scuppered when their opponents netted twice in the fading moments.
Two minutes into added-on time, Hernandez swooped for a second goal and it was all over in the 94th minute when Jacen Russell Rowe made certain.
THE LAST HURRAH…Mateusz Bogusz and Olivier Giroud celebrate LA’s goal in Ohio.
Negotiations for 23-year-old Bogusz are expected to resume immediately as the Hoops try to beat Friday’s 11pm signing deadline.
The powerhouse middle-of-the-park performer, who helped LA to Ohio with a goal in their 4-0 semi-final win over Colorado Rapids, had netted 13 times and provided five assists in his previous 14 games to attract the attention of Brendan Rodgers’ scouts.
Bogusz, who earns in the region of £10,000-per-week, is under contract at the MLS club until December 2026, but the Cup Final loss could be his last appearance for the MLS outfit.
CHAMPIONS RELENTLESS IN THE RAIN
