Two Hours Late and Soaking Wet, Columbus Crew Finally Gets Their First Home Win

Mother Nature threw everything at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Wednesday night, but the Columbus Crew weren't about to let thunderstorms steal their first home victory of the season. After a two hour and five minute weather delay, Daniel Gazdag and Diego Rossi lit up the LA Galaxy in a 2-1 win that came right when Columbus needed it most.

Gazdag Breaks Through in Monsoon Conditions

Gazdag opened the scoring in the 41st minute on his first goal of the season, exactly one year and 11 days after arriving from Philadelphia as the Union's all-time goals leader. The setup was pure Crew soccer: a Galaxy turnover sprung Dylan Chambost, who found Hugo Picard on the left flank. Picard's low cross found Gazdag at the back post, and he flicked it home with the outside of his right foot without breaking stride.

Just six minutes into the second half, Rossi made it 2-0 with his fourth goal of the year. Taha Habroune threaded a through ball to Max Arfsten on the right wing. Arfsten dribbled into the box, hit a crossover move, and fed Rossi, who switched to his left foot and ripped a clinical finish past Patrick Schute.

Galaxy Gets One Back, But It's Too Little

Gabriel Pec finally got the Galaxy on the board in the 86th minute, ending an 18 match stretch without a goal on the road. It was LA's only shot on goal all night, set up by Joseph Paintsil's pass to the near right post. Two minutes later, Pec hit the crossbar trying to make it interesting, but it was too late.

The Galaxy missed Joao Klauss badly. Their leading scorer, with five goals, was out with a foot injury, and his absence showed immediately. LA couldn't string together any meaningful attack in the first half, managing just one shot attempt at the 45th minute that Pec fired wide right.

Columbus, meanwhile, was relentless. The Crew ripped nine shots in the opening 45 minutes alone, keeping LA pinned back the entire first half. With this win, Columbus improves to 2-4-3 (9 points) and 1-1-2 at home. LA sits at 3-3-3 with the same nine points, but they're still searching for answers.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.