Atlanta United fell to Columbus Crew 2-0 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Ohio Saturday Night. The torrential rains never let up and conditions worsened on the pitch as the night went on, yet, play continued.
Just three minutes into the match, Pedro Santos nabbed the first goal for Columbus Crew. A low cross made it through traffic to Santos who was there for the easy tap-in. Atlanta United had their first real opportunity in the 23′. In the final third, Mikey Ambrose sent a lofty cross to Julian Gressel. Gressel headed the ball on frame but keeper Zac Steffen was there to block the pass. Josef Martinez was nearby and was just shy of a follow-up attempt but was ruled offside.
After a long weather delay, the five stripes had another opportunity when Ezequiel Barco went for goal from about 10-yards out but Zack Steffen once again came through with a fantastic save.
Rabinho was streaking down the left flank but slowed his pace instead of sending a low cross. He opted for a clinical pass to Gyasi Zardes whose one-timed shot went low and to the near-side netting, flying past Brad Guzan. Rabinho’s goal gave the Crew a 2-0 lead in the 39′.
A questionable penalty call in the 56′ came after Miles Robinson and Gyasi Zardes collided over a 50-50 ball. Federico Higuain took the penalty kick but Brad Guzan came up big with the much-needed save to keep the game within reach.
The rain continued to poor and the temperature continued to drop. The game was ugly from start to finish and the only positive out of this for both clubs is that by the grace of God, nobody was injured.
“It was a bad night, the conditions were bad,” said coach Frank de Boer. “After the 30th minute, you couldn’t even call this football.”
Atlanta United returns to action April 13 against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATLUTD