COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have struggled to find consistency this season, but Wednesday night offered a glimpse of what their attack can do.
After falling behind early, Columbus responded with three unanswered goals to defeat Charlotte FC 3-1 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Brais Mendez, Anass Zaroury and Taha Habroune each found the back of the net as the Crew secured three points in convincing fashion.
Columbus entered the match needing a positive result, but Charlotte struck first.
In the 17th minute, Idan Toklomati found space inside the penalty area and fired a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage. The goal dented defender Steven Moreira’s morale, and his teammates had to pick him up off the ground.
But Columbus responded 11 minutes later.
Santiago Rodriguez helped create the equalizer, finding Mendez outside the penalty area. The Spanish midfielder delivered a left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner, beating Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina to level the match at 1-1. But the unsung hero of the goal was Josef Martinez, who pressured Brandt Bronico and dispossessed his Charlotte counterpart en route to the goal.
Columbus kept generating chances through the opening half, including a Dylan Chambost effort that struck the post in the 37th minute. Despite the attacking pressure, the two sides entered halftime level.
The Crew dominated and were well on their way to beating their season-high total shots in a game (27), but went into halftime with 22.
After creating several opportunities following the restart, the Crew finally broke through in the 63rd minute.
Mohamed Farsi delivered a cross into the penalty area where Zaroury sent a right-footed volley off the crossbar and into the net.
The Crew wasn’t finished.
Just two minutes later, Habroune extended the advantage to 3-1, slotting home a right-footed shot from close range. The quick succession of goals turned a tightly contested match into a commanding lead for Columbus.
Unlike previous performances when the Crew struggled to turn possession into meaningful chances, Wednesday’s attack delivered.
Columbus finished with a season-high 33 shots, repeatedly testing Charlotte’s defense and forcing Kahlina into 11 saves.
Patrick Schulte, meanwhile, made two saves as the Crew protected their two-goal advantage through the final whistle.
The victory improved Columbus to 9-15-5 on the season, providing a needed boost during the closing stretch of the MLS campaign.
More importantly, the Crew showed an attacking urgency that has been missing at times this year.
Rather than letting an early deficit dictate the match, Columbus kept creating chances until the pressure finally paid off.
What’s Next?
Columbus now turns their attention to Sunday’s rivalry matchup against FC Cincinnati, hoping to carry Wednesday’s attacking momentum into another important Eastern Conference contest.
