Columbus Crew Run Past FC Charlotte In The Rain.

5/3/25

Columbus, Ohio

On an overcast and rainy evening in Downtown Columbus, Ohio, the stage was set for an exhilarating clash between Charlotte FC and Columbus Crew at the Lower.com Field. Both teams entered this matchup with six victories under their belts and a shared ambition to climb to the pinnacle of the Eastern Conference standings. The weather may have been dreary, but for the devoted sellout crowd of 20,000 spectators, the atmosphere remained electric, brimming with anticipation and hope.

As the teams took to the slick and soggy pitch, it quickly became apparent that the rain-soaked conditions played into the hands of the Columbus Crew. The ball glided across the ground with a speed that favored the Crew’s agile and strategically coordinated style of play. Crew head coach emphasized the importance of movement and teamwork in his game plan, illustrating confidence that his team could outmaneuver a physically imposing Charlotte side. “We knew they would come at us hard,” he remarked. “I told the guys it was about our team, it was about our movement, and to use that against them.”

The Crew demonstrated this tactical approach early in the match. In the 25th minute, Dylan Chambost broke the deadlock, scoring his first goal of the season and putting Columbus ahead 1-0. The momentum continued to build, culminating in a penalty kick awarded to fan-favorite Diego Rossi in the 39th minute. Game on! Rossi's conversion extended the Crew’s lead to 2-0 as fireworks exploded in the stands.

Yet, Charlotte FC refused to be overwhelmed. Just when it seemed like the game might slip from their grasp, they struck back in the dying moments of first-half stoppage time. Wilfried Zaha stepped up to the spot and coolly converted a penalty kick, giving Charlotte a glimmer of hope as the half concluded with Columbus leading 2-1.

When play resumed after the break, the tensions mounted. Columbus’s Aziel Jackson showcased exceptional skill in the 51st minute, receiving a beautifully weighted pass from Mo Farsi before slotting the ball into the net. The score intensified to 3-1, but Charlotte kept their sights set on a comeback. In the 64th minute, Liel Abada reignited the visitors' hopes with a crucial goal that cut the deficit to 3-2.

As Charlotte pressed forward in search of an equalizer, Columbus demonstrated remarkable resilience and composure. Capitalizing on the swiftness of the wet turf, the Crew struck decisively once more in the 81st minute. Jacen Russell-Rowe, who had stepped in for the injured Daniel Gazdag, utilized his aerial prowess to score a game-clinching header that electrified the crowd and sealed a 4-2 victory.

The triumph propelled Columbus Crew to a commendable 7-1-3 record for the season, allowing them to ascend to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. As fans celebrated their team, chanting and clapping despite the rain, it was evident that the Crew had crafted not just a victory over Charlotte FC but a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.

With this match behind them, the Crew now look ahead to a challenging away fixture against Philadelphia next Saturday. As they reset and refocus, their spirited performance serves as a reminder of the tenacity and tactical acumen that will be essential for sustaining their momentum. In a league where every point counts, each match adds a new chapter to the unfolding narrative of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference race. The rainy night at Lower.com Field proved to be a crucial and memorable moment in that journey.