COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew returned home Wednesday night looking to recover from a disappointing loss to Orlando City, and despite falling behind early, the Black & Gold delivered a convincing response. Goals from Brais Méndez, Anass Zaroury, and Taha Habroune powered Columbus to a 3-1 victory over Charlotte FC at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
The victory provided a welcome result for a Crew team that had struggled to turn scoring opportunities into victories. Columbus controlled long stretches of Wednesday's contest, repeatedly testing Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina before finally pulling away with two goals in a three-minute span during the second half.
Crew Respond After Early Charlotte Goal
Columbus generated several opportunities in the opening minutes, including a Josef Martínez attempt in the sixth minute that missed the target. However, Charlotte struck first when Idan Toklomati scored from the center of the penalty area in the 17th minute, beating goalkeeper Patrick Schulte to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
The Crew continued pressing forward and found their equalizer in the 28th minute. Santiago Rodríguez set up Méndez outside the penalty area, where the Spanish midfielder delivered a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner to even the score at 1-1.
Columbus remained the more threatening side for much of the first half, creating several additional scoring opportunities. Dylan Chambost struck the right post in the 38th minute, while Kahlina made multiple saves to keep Charlotte level heading into halftime.
Three Minutes Change the Game
The Crew maintained their offensive pressure after the break, but Kahlina continued to frustrate Columbus with saves against Méndez and Zaroury. The match remained tied until the 63rd minute, when the Black & Gold finally broke through.
Mohamed Farsi found Zaroury inside the penalty area, and the midfielder finished with a right-footed shot into the upper portion of the net to give Columbus its first lead of the evening. Steven Moreira also contributed to the buildup as the Crew moved ahead 2-1.
Just two minutes later, Habroune added another goal, finishing from the center of the box in the 65th minute to extend the advantage to 3-1. The quick succession of goals gave Columbus breathing room after spending much of the evening trying to solve Charlotte's defense.
The Crew nearly added another in the 77th minute, but Kahlina stopped Martínez's attempt from close range. Charlotte generated a few late opportunities of its own, including headers from Henry Kessler and a shot by Ashley Westwood, but neither threatened the final result.
Columbus held on comfortably through eight minutes of stoppage time, completing the comeback and securing an important home victory.
What's Next
The Crew now turn their attention to Sunday's Hell Is Real Derby against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, with the match available on Apple TV.
Columbus will then return home Wednesday, October 21, to face St. Louis CITY SC in the U.S. Open Cup Final at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Kickoff for the championship match is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
