Columbus Crew SC earned an impressive 3–1 away victory over Atlanta United FC on MLS matchday 6, powered by a second-half brace from Wessam Abou Ali and a decisive strike from Max Arfsten.
After a scoreless first half, the game exploded into life shortly after the break. Abou Ali broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, finishing a move created by Max Arfsten to put Columbus 1–0 up. Just five minutes later, Abou Ali doubled the lead, this time converting from a pass by Dylan Chambost as the visitors took firm control at 2–0.
Atlanta responded on the hour mark when Aleksei Miranchuk pulled one back in the 60th minute, halving the deficit and briefly reviving home hopes. However, Columbus struck back almost immediately. In the 61st minute, Arfsten got on the scoresheet himself, restoring the two-goal cushion at 3–1 after being set up by Marcelo Herrera.
Atlanta looked to change the momentum with a series of substitutions around the 58th and 74th minutes, introducing Cooper Wyatt Sanchez, Ajani Fortune, Saba Lobzhanidze and Matthew Edwards. Columbus, meanwhile, managed their lead with late changes of their own, bringing on Hugo Picard, Taha Habroune, Sekou Bangoura, Jamal Thiaré and Nəriman Axundzadə.
The closing stages turned tense. Atlanta’s Gerardo Martino was booked in the 84th minute and later shown a red card in stoppage time, while teammates Enea Mihaj and Elías Báez also received yellow cards around the 90th minute. Columbus players Chambost and Henrik Rydström were likewise cautioned late on.
The victory strengthens Columbus Crew’s position in the early regular season, while Atlanta United are left to reflect on a costly spell after halftime and a heated finish. Detailed statistics such as possession, shots and full lineups were not available at the time of writing.
For more on MLS action, visit the MLS page on Ballaxy, or see the full match overview here.
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