Columbus Crew turned an early setback into a convincing 3-1 victory over Charlotte FC on Wednesday, October 14, with two goals in quick succession deciding their MLS fixture at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
Idan Toklomati put Charlotte ahead in the 17th minute, but Brais Méndez restored parity in the 28th. With the sides level at halftime, Anass Zaroury struck in the 63rd minute before Taha Habroune added Columbus’ third in the 65th to put the hosts firmly in command.
Columbus respond to Charlotte’s early breakthrough
Charlotte landed the first blow through Toklomati’s 17th-minute opener, giving the visitors an advantage they would hold for just 11 minutes. Méndez’s equalizer in the 28th minute ensured Columbus went into the interval at 1-1, with the contest still open.
The hosts’ attacking output ultimately told the story. Columbus finished with 33 shots to Charlotte’s nine and put 14 attempts on target, compared with just two from the visitors. Their possession advantage was more modest at 52.9 percent, underlining how much more frequently the Crew turned their share of the ball into attempts at goal.
Quick-fire goals settle the contest
The decisive passage arrived midway through the second half. Zaroury’s 63rd-minute goal gave Columbus their first lead, and Habroune followed in the 65th minute to transform a level contest into a two-goal cushion.
Charlotte could not find a response. Columbus also finished with a 10-4 advantage in corners, another measure of the attacking pressure that helped the hosts overcome their early deficit and claim all three points.
What comes next?
Columbus next face FC Cincinnati on Sunday, October 18, at 4:00 p.m. PDT. Charlotte have a quicker turnaround, facing Philadelphia Union on Saturday, October 17, at 11:30 a.m. PDT.
