In a remarkable display, Jacen Russell Rowe propelled Columbus Crew to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United this Wednesday at Lower.com Field during week 18 of the MLS season. Rowe’s brilliance peaked with two goals scored in the first half at the 31st and 41st minutes. Additionally, Andrés Herrera found the net early in the match, scoring in the 22nd minute through a well-coordinated play. Atlanta managed to respond with a goal from Brooks Lennon in the 59th minute of the second half.
Columbus Crew’s Aliyu Ibrahim nearly extended the lead in the 80th minute, yet his effort struck the post, denying him a goal.
Rowe’s stellar performance earned him the title of ‘Player of the Match.’ The forward not only netted two goals, but he also made three attempts on goal, showcasing his attacking prowess.
Daniel Gazdag also contributed significantly for Columbus, attempting four shots during the match.
Coach Wilfried Nancy employed a 3-6-1 tactical formation, fielding Evan Bush in goal; with Steven Moreira, Sean Zawadzki, and Yevhen Cheberko forming the defense; and a midfield comprised of Andrés Herrera, Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, Lassi Lappalainen, Diego Rossi, and Daniel Gazdag. Jacen Russell Rowe spearheaded the attack.
On the other side, Atlanta United’s manager Ronny Deila opted for a defensive 5-4-1 setup, featuring Brad Guzan as the goalkeeper; with Brooks Lennon, Matthew Edwards, Luis Abram, Efraín Morales, and Pedro Amador in defense. Aleksei Miranchuk, Mateusz Klich, Bartosz Slisz, and Miguel Ángel Almirón operated in midfield, while Emmanuel Latte Lath was positioned upfront.
Referee Víctor Rivas officiated the match at Lower.com Field.
In the upcoming fixtures, Columbus Crew will travel to face Seattle Sounders while Atlanta United will meet DC United away from home.
Substitutions for Columbus Crew
60’ 2H – Mohamed Farsi replaced Steven Moreira, and Aliyu Ibrahim came on for Lassi Lappalainen.
71’ 2H – Amar Sejdic substituted Dylan Chambost, and Aziel Jackson took over for Jacen Russell Rowe.
92’ 2H – Derrick Jones replaced Darlington Nagbe.
Yellow Cards for Columbus Crew:
Andrés Herrera (Unsporting Behavior) – 49’ 2H
Substitutions for Atlanta United
45’ 2H – William Reilly came on for Mateusz Klich.
75’ 2H – Jamal Thiare replaced Aleksei Miranchuk and Saba Lobjanidze took over for Matthew Edwards.
81’ 2H – Ronald Hernández substituted Pedro Amador and Noah Cobb came in for Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Yellow Cards for Atlanta United:
Emmanuel Latte Lath (Unsporting Behavior) – 45’ 1H, William Reilly (Unsporting Behavior) – 72’ 2H, Efraín Morales (Unsporting Behavior) – 80’ 2H, and Bartosz Slisz (Unsporting Behavior) – 87’ 2H.