The Columbus Crew hosted the team’s first MLS Cup playoff game in two years, since winning the club’s second MLS Cup in 2020. The Black & Gold, who ended the 2023 MLS campaign in third place, had home-field advantage and got placed against Atlanta United for the first round in the best-of-three series and won the opening game 2-0.

Columbus had a massive opportunity in the second minute to get the go-ahead goal when forward Cucho Hernandez found wing back Julian Gressel on the right wing with a hefty through ball that sent the former Atlanta player in on goal with Brad Guzan. Gressel, who had ample time to get a shot off, took a touch wider, taking away the angle for a shot, and ended with United dispossessing the Crew winger.

In the eighth minute, the Crew came close to finding the opener for a second time off of a corner kick, but left center back Malte Amundsen couldn’t redirect his attempt on target.

Atlanta handled possession for 10 minutes after the Black & Gold’s second attempt to open the scoring but couldn’t find the back of the net. However, the press by the Five Stripes caused massive problems for Columbus, which found themselves pinned in their defensive half.

Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe had a chance to break the ice a third time with a long-distance strike, but it was easily claimed by Guzan.

Center back Rudy Camacho came just inches of giving the Black & Gold a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute when Hernandez served in a cross that found his right foot, but the attempt went high over the frame.

Columbus dictated the game after the 18th minute with 63.4 percent possession through the 37th minute. Midfielder Alexandru Matan had a shot on goal that was fumbled by Guzan, but forward Diego Rossi was in the wrong spot to get a foot on the rebound.

Just before halftime, the Crew finally got the opener with Hernandez getting on the end of a Rossi through ball. The Colombian dribbled into the penalty box and put his top shelf past Guzan to give the Black & Gold a 1-0 lead.

Columbus picked up right where the team left off in the second half. Matan drew a penalty in the 50th minute when he was stepped on inside the 18-yard box. Hernandez converted the ensuing penalty kick, extending the Crew’s lead to 2-0.

Atlanta looked to pull one back in the 64th minute when midfielder Ajani Fortune took a shot from distance that went wide right of the net.

The Five Stripes started to find their rhythm midway through the second half, generating chance after chance on Black & Gold mistakes with the ball. This allowed United to dictate possession, despite being two goals down.

Hernandez came close to securing the hat trick off of a Rossi free kick, but the backheel attempt went straight to Guzan for an easy save.

Columbus sat back the last quarter hour of the game, allowing Atlanta to maintain possession of the ball and soak up the attack.

The Five Stripes could not find their way back into the match, with the Crew gaining a 1-0 series lead heading to Atlanta for Game 2, where the Black & Gold could ultimately sweep United and advance to the next round of the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs.

Hernandez can’t stop scoring

Hernandez has shined for Columbus since the departure of Lucas Zelarayan. Climbing up the Golden Boot ranks and helping secure third place in the Eastern Conference for the Crew, Hernandez notched a brace in Game 1 of the best-of-three series against Atlanta, making a case for club MVP.

Columbus close to edging out Atlanta

In the best-of-three series, the Black & Gold took Game 1 2-0. Next traveling to Atlanta, Columbus will look to close out the series at Mercedes Benz Stadium, where these teams played to a 1-1 scoreline last month. Mercedes Benz Stadium, just like Lower.com Field, will be a tough place for the Crew to come away with a result, but it’s up to head coach Wilfried Nancy and his team to get the all-important win and sweep the Five Stripes.

What’s next?

The Black & Gold will head to Atlanta for Game 2 of the series. this game will be played on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. ET on Apple TV+’s MLS SeasonPass.