In a thrilling encounter on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Columbus Crew triumphed over Atlanta United with a final score of 3-1. Wessam Abou Ali delivered a stellar performance, netting two goals to lead his team to victory. The first came in the 47th minute with a powerful header, followed by another goal during a swift play in the 53rd minute. Max Arfsten also made his mark on the game by scoring in the 61st minute, rounding off Columbus’s goals. Atlanta United managed to get on the scoresheet thanks to Aleksei Miranchuk, who struck in the 60th minute.
Wessam Abou Ali was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, sealing the win for his side with his two well-timed goals and contributing a total of four shots on target.
Max Arfsten’s performance was equally commendable, as he also found the back of the net.
Atlanta’s head coach, Gerardo Martino, adopted a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Lucas Hoyos in goal, supported by defenders Tomás Jacob, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, and Elías Báez. The midfield was comprised of Tristan Muyumba, William Reilly, Steven Alzate, and Miguel Ángel Almirón, while Emmanuel Latte Lath and Aleksei Miranchuk spearheaded the attack.
On the other hand, Columbus Crew, managed by Henrik Rydstrom, used a similar 4-4-2 setup, with Patrick Schulte guarding the net. The defense was anchored by Steven Moreira, Rudy Camacho, Sean Zawadzki, and Malte Amundsen. The midfield featured Andrés Herrera, André Gomes, Dylan Chambost, and Max Arfsten, while Wessam Abou Ali teamed up with Diego Rossi in the forward position.
Referee Lorenzo Hernandez officiated the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Looking ahead, Atlanta United will visit Chicago Fire next, while Columbus Crew will host Orlando City SC.
Substitutions for Atlanta United
57’ 2T – William Reilly replaced by Cooper Sanchez
58’ 2T – Tristan Muyumba replaced by Ajani Fortune
74’ 2T – Steven Alzate replaced by Saba Lobjanidze
75’ 2T – Tomás Jacob replaced by Matthew Edwards
Yellow Cards for Atlanta United:
39’ 2T Gerardo Martino (Insulting or disapproving of the referee), 45’ 2T Enea Mihaj, and 48’ 2T Elías Báez (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
Red Card for Atlanta United:
48’ 2T Gerardo Martino (Direct Red)
Substitutions for Columbus Crew
68’ 2T – Max Arfsten replaced by Hugo Picard, André Gomes replaced by Taha Habroune
86’ 2T – Dylan Chambost replaced by Sekou Tidiany Bangoura
87’ 2T – Diego Rossi replaced by Jamal Thiare
89’ 2T – Andrés Herrera replaced by Nariman Akhundzada
Yellow Card for Columbus Crew:
51’ 2T Dylan Chambost