Overview
- Charlotte opened the scoring just 29 seconds into the match and took a 2-0 lead when Liel Abada converted a ninth-minute penalty.
- Columbus cut the deficit before halftime when 18-year-old Chase Adams scored his first MLS goal in the 41st minute.
- Pep Biel wrapped up the victory with a 73rd-minute strike set up by Will Cleary and Rodolfo Aloko to make it 3-1.
- Both clubs featured high-profile debuts as Josef Martínez made his Columbus appearance as a 71st-minute substitute while Allan Saint-Maximin debuted for Charlotte at halftime.
- The result, played at Bank of America Stadium on Aug. 15, ended Columbus's recent unbeaten run and extended Charlotte's run of four straight home wins over the Crew, a trend that could shape selections and momentum for upcoming Leagues Cup and MLS matches.