KANSAS CITY, KS – With the 2026 MLS season in full swing, it was another game on the road for the Columbus Crew as they traveled to take on MLS original Sporting Kansas City. Both teams battled to a 2-2 draw Saturday night after failing to capture three points to open the season in their respective season openers last weekend.

The two teams scored four goals; the match featured end-to-end action, highlighted by Sporting KC forward and captain Dejan Joveljic, who tallied a brace. For Columbus, it was yet another Wessam Abou Ali and Diego Rossi strike for one another that got the Black & Gold on the board.

Columbus struck first late in the first half, after Sporting KC goalkeeper John Pulskamp blundered a pass from inside his penalty area, allowing Taha Habroune to pounce on the mistake. The Crew Academy product was able to slip a squared pass to Abou Ali, who tapped it home to give the edge to the Crew.

Just minutes after halftime, Joveljic ignited the comeback. The striker found himself inside the penalty area with the ball at his feet, feinting to get Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte off of his line and down to his right, before calmly passing the ball into the back of the net. With that, came a sense of urgency from Sporting KC.

Joveljic struck gold again in the 72nd minute, capitalizing on a Crew mistake to double the score for home side, completing his brace.

Columbus found themselves on the back foot again, and it’s nothing new to them. Despite creating chances in waves, it wasn’t until the 82nd minute that the Crew ruined the excitement of Sporting KC fans. Rossi hit his strike with conviction, off of a serviced cross from Max Arfsten to tie up the score heading into the waning minutes of the match, but neither team could find the all-important game-winning goal.

The draw leaves both clubs still searching for their first win of the young MLS campaign, though each side showed flashes of attacking quality. For Columbus, the performances of Abou Ali and Rossi provided encouraging signs that the team’s offensive firepower remains intact. For Sporting Kansas City, Joveljić’s two-goal outing offered a reminder of the striker’s ability to change a match in a matter of moments.

Ultimately, the result reflected the balance of play between two teams eager to rebound from early-season disappointment. While neither side left with all three points, the four-goal contest showcased the attacking talent on both rosters and set the stage for what could become an entertaining early-season rivalry meeting in the 2026 MLS campaign.

Wessam Abou Ali is unstoppable

The Palestinian international is making a name for himself. With his two goals so far this young MLS campaign, he now has registered seven goal contributions (5G, 2A) in his last seven games.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew are home next weekend for their home opener against the Chicago Fire. Kickoff from Scotts MiracleGro Field is slated for 7:30 p.m. You can watch the match on Apple TV.