Columbus Crew overturn early deficit to beat Charlotte 3-1

Méndez and Zaroury drive Columbus comeback

Columbus Crew recovered from an early deficit to defeat Charlotte 3-1 in Major League Soccer’s Regular Season - 29 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Charlotte led after the opener, but three unanswered Columbus goals secured the win.

Charlotte strike first, Columbus respond

Idan Toklomati Jorno put Charlotte ahead in the 17th minute, making the score 0-1. Columbus restored parity in the 28th minute when Brais Méndez scored with the running score 1-1, assisted by Santiago Rodriguez.

The decisive reversal came after half-time. Anass Zaroury scored in the 63rd minute, assisted by Mohamed Farsi, to put Columbus 2-1 ahead. Taha Habroune added the last goal in the 65th minute, making the final score 3-1.

Columbus create the clearer chances

The statistics support Columbus’s control of the attacking contest. The Crew had 33 total shots to Charlotte’s 9, including 14 shots on goal to 2, and recorded 21 shots inside the box to 7. Columbus also held 53% possession and completed 445 accurate passes to Charlotte’s 376. Charlotte goalkeeper K. Kahlina kept the margin down with 11 saves, while the teams’ expected goals were 3.86 and 0.74 respectively.

Result reshapes the Eastern Conference picture

The standings feed places Columbus Crew at #13 in the Eastern Conference with 32 points from 29 games, while Charlotte remain #5 with 46 points from 29 games. Charlotte are 14 points ahead of Columbus Crew. Méndez was a standout, earning an 8.2 rating after one goal, five shots on target and six key passes. Columbus also received yellow cards for Malte Amundsen in the 69th minute and Patrick Schulte in the 72nd; neither team received a red card.