Sunday night was a soggy – but stylish – send-off for the Columbus Crew, as they beat Atlanta United FC, 2-0, at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in the final league match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Break.
The win was the club’s second in five days under interim head coach Laurent Courtois, and it was a vintage Columbus performance.
“I just think we were comfortable,” Max Arfsten said after the match. “We were flowing in our movements. We dominated and controlled the game, the entire game, in my opinion. It kind of felt like the way, like the Crew of old, in my opinion, like we dominated the games, created a lot of chances, dominate possession. It was a good feeling.”
The Black & Gold took a deserved lead after 17 minutes with one of the better team goals of 2026.
What started as an initial clearance on a free kick deep in Columbus territory led to a four-on-one breakaway before Sekou Bangoura finished a brilliant setup from Mo Farsi and Diego Rossi.
The goal was Bangoura’s first with the Crew since he joined in January.
The lead doubled in first-half stoppage time with a second clinical goal.
Steven Moreira, set to represent Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played a long ball down the right touchline to Farsi. The electric wingback then played a first-timed cross toward Rossi, who, running toward the ball, placed it to the back post.
The assist was Farsi’s second of the first half, and Rossi’s goal was a team-leading sixth this season. Sunday’s win was Rossi’s first match this year with multiple goal contributions.
In the second half, the Crew played with the same intensity, as they earned a second clean sheet under Courtois, who was named interim head coach on May 17. Courtois is now the fifth Crew coach to win his first league match in charge.
“[Relieved] to get the points and the victories but just that the guys were able to show who they are, and we got on the same page on a few aspects of the game,” Courtois said. “They were bought in, they executed and we also learned to suffer, too, like the second half and we were ready to take that challenge, also. I can't be more pleased.”
In the locker room, which was filled with music and laughter, Moreira said it feels like joy returned to the Black & Gold.
“I would say more joy in everything,” Moreira said of playing under Courtois. “We talk a lot with him, and you ask him some questions, and like, ‘Guys just have some freedom. Play, enjoy, move the ball, be consistent defensively, the rest defense and everything.’ We are just very happy for him, we can tell, and that's good for him. Honestly, let's keep going.”
With the win, the MLS season is now paused for two months, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in North America. The Crew won’t play again until Jul. 22, when they host New York City FC for the resumption of league play.
Of course, there could be Black & Gold news before July.
While it was already announced that Moreira was called into the Cape Verde squad, the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 26-man roster will be announced Tuesday – which may or may not have Columbus representation.
“If I do make the team, it would be my ultimate dream come true,” Arfsten said. “Honestly, it would be a very emotional moment, and I'd be just super thankful for everyone that's helped me get to this point. Send me good vibes for Tuesday, please.”
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