COLUMBUS, OH – It never fails that when the Columbus Crew host Atlanta United in the Buckeye State, inclement weather presents itself. On a nippy Sunday in the Central Ohio area, that challenge arose as the kickoff time scheduled for 5:35pm EDT, was pushed back due to thunderstorms in the area.
However, Mother Nature decided to bless the Black & Gold with a kickoff time of 6:48pm against their Peach State counterparts.
Atlanta United breaks the ice
With Columbus playing as if they had a midweek matchup, Atlanta United took the opportunity to punish the depleted Black & Gold. The 22nd minute was their opportunity as Santiago Sosa shot home the ball past Eloy Room to gift the Five Stripes the opening goal of the game.
OMGGGGGGG @SantiSosa_99 ?? pic.twitter.com/SLXZsJY3dW
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 21, 2022
Atlanta continued to mount pressure on the Crew, breaking down their midfield and defense with widespread play that quickly turned into counter attacks through the center of the park. Columbus, however, did have a couple opportunities of their own but could not fruition a goal to equalize.
The Five Stripes did score, however referee Joe Dickerson ruled out the goal due to a foul in the box, which was checked by Video Review and confirmed. Atlanta held the 1-0 lead throughout the remainder of the first half, with Columbus desperately looking for a goal in the second half.
A wet second half made for fun soccer, if you are a fan of the sport and played as a kid.
Columbus looked to gain a new life periodically, maintaining possession and playing smart.
Cucho equalizer
That all paid off when Kevin Molino slid Luis Diaz through in the final third. The Costa Rican winger squared a pass to Cucho Hernandez, putting the ball past the Atlanta United keeper to equalize the game 1-1.
Cucho is a dangerous man. #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/QvnPtohcl5
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 22, 2022
The Columbus Crew, done but not out, got the go-ahead goal from Cucho again. Defender Will Sands was able to get around his defender and pass the ball back to Cucho who ripped a shot in the upper corner to give the Crew a 2-1 lead.
CUCHO AGAIN. ? pic.twitter.com/oS07RBTOLA
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 22, 2022
The Five Stripes would pull one back just minutes later, with Juan Jose Purata heading home a corner kick to make the game 2-2.
AIR PURATA IS UNSTOPPABLE ✈️ pic.twitter.com/gLO4Z4BwkV
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 22, 2022
Both teams had chances in the remaining minutes of the second half, but neither coould convert. Each team walked away with a point a piece.
What’s next?
Columbus are on the road to take on FC Cincinnati in the second leg of Hell Is Real. Atlanta United are home to D.C. United.
