With their 5-1 win over LAFC in the 2023 MLS Cup remactch in the books, the Columbus Crew faced off against Charlotte FC at home. The previous matchup between both teams was one to forgive and forget, as the Crew fell to Charlotte 2-0, amidst a handful of controversy at the beginning of the season. This time around, things would be different as the Black & Gold were in front of their home fans and in-form. Charlotte FC, on the other hand, came into this match off of a big Eastern Conference and Supporters Shield upset with their 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati.

Charlotte continued their hot style of play, throwing the Crew off rhythm to start the game. The Crown had their best chance come in the 16th minute when Liel Abada sent a cross to the center of the 18-yard box for Patrick Agyemang, but the headed attempt was sent out for a goal kick.

Charlotte also did good at pressuring Sean Zawadzki in the midfield, having at least two defenders crowd the Olmstead Falls native upon reception of a pass. Though nothing much would come out of that, Columbus did well to establish possession and start dictating the game.

The Crew found themselves on the front foot in the 21st minute when Adilson Malanda was whistled for a handball offense giving Columbus a penalty kick. However it was soon waived by video review. Columbus were then officially on the front foot of the game in the 32nd minute when Cucho Hernandez pounced on a turnover from the Charlotte backline and was able to hammer home the games first goal, and his 13th goal on the season.

Columbus were keen on scoring another, but couldn’t find the back of the net before referee Victor Rivas blew for the halftime whistle.

Goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen had his first bit of action in the match when a shot from Abada was hit with pace. Hagen was quick to dive down to his right and get a hand on the shot to keep the score at 1-0.

In the 62nd minute, Max Arfsten found Hernandez making a direct run into the box. The through ball from Arfsten found Hernandez who dribbled into the penalty area, before having his low shot saved by Kristijan Kahlina.

Patrick Agyemang found the back of the net for the visitors after he was able to get around Nicholas Hagen who stormed the long ball headed his way. Agyemang was able to get around Hagen and had his initial shot saved by a sliding Rudy Camacho. The rebound was put away through the legs of Hagen to tie the game.

Though the Crew had many attempts to re-gain the lead, it wasn’t enough to claim all three points as the game ended 1-1.

Cucho’s on fire, your defense is terrified

Cucho Hernandez became the first player in Club history to record 60 goal contributions in a three year span. Hernandez now has 13 goal contributions in the last six matches (7G, 6A), averaging one goal per game.

Nicholas Hagen gets first start

With Patrick Schulte now off to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, backup goalkeeper Nicolas Hagen was rewarded with his first start of the MLS season. The Guatemalan international has already faced some MLS action, playing 55 minutes in the Club’s 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew are back on the road as they head to the Peach State to take on Atlanta United. Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.