Columbus Crew dominate Atlanta United with convincing victory | OneFootball

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Crew continued their push to get back on track in the 2024 MLS season with a commanding 3-1 win over Atlanta United at Lower.com Field on Saturday night.

After snapping a six-match winless streak with a victory over Vancouver, Columbus built on that momentum in front of their home fans. With 10 days of rest and a full-strength lineup, the Crew looked sharp from the opening whistle — and made Atlanta pay early.

First-Half Brilliance Seals the Deal

Columbus set the tone with an aggressive press and clean passing sequences that overwhelmed Atlanta’s back line. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Maxime Chambost split the defense with a through ball to Steven Moreira, who finished low past Brad Guzan to make it 1-0.

Just nine minutes later, Daniel Gazdag turned provider. The Hungarian midfielder found Jacen Russell-Rowe in space, and the Canadian forward beat his marker with ease before slotting home Columbus’s second.

The first-half dominance was capped off in the 41st minute. Diego Rossi collected a loose ball in the box and found Russell-Rowe again, who calmly finished for his second of the night and the Crew’s third.

Atlanta’s Response Falls Short

Atlanta United showed more urgency in the second half, and it briefly paid off. In the 55th minute, Brooks Lennon pounced on a rebound following a cross to cut the deficit to 3-1. But despite having more possession, Atlanta struggled to create clear chances and failed to test Patrick Bush in goal.

With the result, Columbus remain in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings on 34 points. Atlanta, meanwhile, sit 13th with just 17 points and only three wins all season.

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