May 28, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Atlanta United FC News Release
ATLANTA – Atlanta United lost 2-1 to Columbus Crew Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dom Dwyer scored a bicycle kick goal in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a two-goal deficit allowed in the first half.
Columbus Crew scored from a corner in the first minute. Pedro Santos swung in a ball to the back post where Jonathan Mensah was able to nod it in for a 1-0 advantage. Ronald Hernandez was injured on the play and was replaced by Mikey Ambrose, who made his season debut.
Alex De John nearly responded with a header of his own in the ninth minute when he rose above a Columbus defender to meet Brooks Lennon’s corner, but Eloy Room was able to palm it over the crossbar. Columbus’ goal was again threatened in the 19th minute from a play that began deep in Atlanta’s defensive half. Alan Franco delivered a precision pass through the midfield which found Marcelino Moreno in stride. The Argentine played the ball wide to Luiz Araújo on the right where he rifled a shot on goal, but again Room was able to deflect it behind for a corner.
In the 30th minute Araújo combined with Lennon on the right side of the box when a clever back heel from the Brazilian allowed the right back an opportunity on goal from a tight angle, but Columbus’ goalkeeper was positioned well to deny the shot.
Columbus doubled its lead in the 45th minute. Derrick Etienne played a long ball for Erik Hurtado where he was able to create enough space from De John and place a shot into the right side of the goal.
At halftime, head coach Gonzalo Pineda changed the formation and brought on Josef Martínez, who made his first appearance since April 2, and George Campbell. Ronaldo Cisneros nearly scored in the 67th minute when Lennon sent in a cross from the right side intended for Martínez. The ball bounced to Cisneros of the left side of the penalty area and he one-timed a shot on frame, but Room made a fingertip…
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