The Columbus Crew collected a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday afternoon at a sold-out Lower.com Field to kick off the 2024 campaign.

Expectations for the Black & Gold for being the current champions were high at the beginning of the season and the team didn’t defraud. The Crew’s only goal of the day was scored by Cucho Hernandez in the 27th minute.

The first half started with a strong individual effort in the 8^th minute by Hernandez, who turned to his left foot and shot from outside the box, but it was blocked by Atlanta’s goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Just three minutes later, following a deep ball from Cucho, midfielder Mohamed Farsi crossed the ball into the penalty area that found the foot of Jacen Russell-Rowe who put a shot slightly wide.

Columbus’ pressure was out-working Atlanta’s defensive-ball possession and Crew continued recovering the ball in advantageous positions to score.

The first yellow card of the match came in the 20^th minute when Atlanta’s Giorgos Giakoumakis fouled Aidan Morris just before center line.

Following a one-touch two-on-one at the edge of the box in the 23^rd minute between Hernandez and Yaw Yeboah, Diego Rossi’s shot was blocked by a defender and resulted in a corner kick.

The Black & Gold’s first goal of the 2024 season came from the Hispanic connection featuring Rossi and Hernandez in the 26^th minute. Rossi’s cross was parried by Guzan and Hernandez caught the rebound just right, hamming it home to bring the score 1-0.

The Crew’s high pressure in the 37^th minute proved effective as Cucho linked up with Jacen Russell-Rowe for a right-foot shot inside the box that ricocheted Guzan’s right post.

Following a sequence of passes, Farsi crossed the ball in the 42^nd minute and Hernandez’s scissor kick hit a defender’s back to give the Crew another corner kick.

The defending champions went to halftime without receiving any shots from Atlanta.

At the beginning of the second half, following a VAR review regarding a foul on Farsi after he was brought down from behind and left on the turf injured. Referee Rafael Bonilla ruled a penalty kick in favor of Columbus. Cucho’s attempt from the spot was blocked by Guzan to keep the score Black & Gold advantage at 1-0.

While the VAR review was ongoing, Farsi was subbed off the field injured and Max Arfsten came in.

Patrick Schulte came into action in the 70^th minute with an amazing left-handed save over Giakoumakis’ shot for the equalizer.

In the 95^th minute, following a deep ball, Rossi had a chance to extend the lead over Atlanta, but his shot missed the frame.

There was little to no suffering in the defensive end for the Crew despite the tight advantage over Atlanta United, who only recorded an off-target shot and a shot to goal in the second half, saved by Schulte.

Columbus held on to claim the 1-0 victory and send the fans home happy on Crewsmas.

Aidan Morris, the quarterback

Morris’ work in the field might seem unrecognizable, but he is a key player for the Black & Gold. Hailed as the brain of the team, his passes always find a teammate and he seldom misses. Having a player with a fast brain and good passing skills in the middle of the park provides balance in the team and allows forwards to have better scoring opportunities.

Colombia is in the house

Cucho did it again. Not only did he play an excellent game and scored the only goal of the match, but also looked to set up teammates on the attack. If one of those attempts found that back of the net, it could have resulted in a wider score difference.

What is next?

Columbus Crew will head to Minnesota for the next match on Saturday, March 3 at 2 PM.