In an exciting match at the TQL Stadium, Columbus Crew secured a commanding 4-2 victory against FC Cincinnati in the 20th week of the MLS season. The home side opened the scoring through Pavel Bucha in the first minute, quickly followed by Evander, who found the back of the net just four minutes later. Cincinnati clawed back with goals from Diego Rossi and Max Arfsten, but Columbus maintained their lead with a brace that included an unfortunate own goal from Miles Robinson.
Evander’s goal, which sent the crowd into a frenzy, came in the 4th minute when he launched a stunning shot from just outside the box into the right corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
Max Arfsten was undoubtedly the man of the match, contributing one goal and making two attempts on target, while Evander also impressed for FC Cincinnati with his constant threat, recording four shots.
FC Cincinnati’s head coach, Pat Noonan, opted for a 3-5-2 formation featuring Roman Celentano in goal, supported by defenders Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, and Lukas Ahlefeld Engel. The midfield saw DeAndre Yedlin, Pavel Bucha, Brian Anunga, Luca Orellano, and Evander, with Kei Kamara and Kévin Denkey leading the attack.
On the other side, Columbus Crew, managed by Wilfried Nancy, lined up in a 3-6-1 formation, with Patrick Schulte in goal and a defensive trio of Steven Moreira, Sean Zawadzki, and Yevhen Cheberko. Their midfield included Aliyu Ibrahim, Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, Max Arfsten, Daniel Gazdag, and Diego Rossi, while Jacen Russell Rowe was up front.
The match official, Guido Gonzales Jr., handled the proceedings.
Looking ahead, FC Cincinnati will host Inter Miami in their next match, whereas Columbus Crew will face Nashville SC at Geodis Park.
Substitutions for FC Cincinnati
61’ 2T – Brian Anunga out, Gerardo Valenzuela in
81’ 2T – DeAndre Yedlin out, Alvas Powell in
82’ 2T – Kei Kamara out, Teenage Hadebe in; Luca Orellano out, Kenji Mboma in
86’ 2T – Lukas Ahlefeld Engel out, Bradley Smith in
Yellow Cards for FC Cincinnati:
17’ 1T – Brian Anunga (Unsporting behavior)
44’ 1T – Pavel Bucha (Unsporting behavior)
49’ 1T – Evander (Dissent)
40’ 2T – Miles Robinson (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Columbus Crew
57’ 2T – Dylan Chambost out, Amar Sejdic in
77’ 2T – Jacen Russell Rowe out, Taha Habroune in
96’ 2T – Max Arfsten out, Tristan Brown in
Yellow Cards for Columbus Crew:
7’ 2T – Dylan Chambost (Unsporting behavior)
22’ 2T – Daniel Gazdag (Unsporting behavior)
32’ 2T – Jacen Russell Rowe (Unsporting behavior)
49’ 2T – Taha Habroune (Unsporting behavior)