Columbus Crew SC & Atlanta United FC collided for the first time in match 1 of the Carolina Challenge Cup. Here are 4 takeaways from the preseason contest.
The Carolina Challenge Cup officially kicked off today. The USL club Charleston Battery is hosting three MLS clubs, including the reigning MLS Cup Champions: Seattle Sounders FC, one of the two new expansion clubs, Atlanta United FC, and one of MLS’s original clubs, Columbus Crew SC.
Taking part in match one were the Columbus Crew SC and Atlanta United FC. Atlanta came into the match fresh off of the 4-0 preseason win over Chatanooga FC, but were unable to fend off a Columbus club that created opportunity after opportunity in their first preseason match since returning from Brazil.
Here are four takeaways from the first meeting of Atlanta United FC and Columbus Crew SC.
4. A shoddy live-stream is no way to watch a soccer match.
First things first: I was unable to enjoy/watch the majority of this match as the live stream was just plain awful. During the first half, the stream allowed you to catch the action in 3 to 4 second pixelated intervals. So while I was watching the entire time, the live steam did limit how much action anyone would have caught in the first half.
In the second half the stream issues were addressed and much less present, however there were still several times that a shot was made only for the screen to freeze with the ball in midair.
Soccer is a game of constant action, and when you don’t have a proper way to watch without constant skips and freezing, it really takes you out of the game. Here’s to hoping this was a first match issue, and the team in Charleston can iron out the kinks moving forward.
3. Atlanta United FC struck quickly, but stalled afterwards.
Six minutes into the match, Atlanta scored a goal against the veteran Columbus club. Unfortunately, I could only hear the reaction to the goal, and watch as pixels celebrated, with no replay in time. Atlanta United FC held onto the 1-0 lead through the entire first half, although Columbus had six shots on goal.
Atlanta landed one more shot on goal in the half, but for the most part the Crew SC spent the half on the attack. The Black & Gold were dominant through the majority of the first half, but were unable to hit the back of the net by the 45 minute mark.
2. Lalas Abubakar shows his worth.
Through the bits and pieces viewable, Columbus Crew SC’s first 2017 draft pick Lalas Abubakar was a difference maker.
The defender from Ghana won almost every challenge he made, and cleanly at that. Abubakar played every minute of the game, and was a vital part a Columbus defense that looked very solid.
1. Higuain catches fire in the second half.
Federico Higuain showed up in this preseason contest in a big way. The designated player scored two second half goals, setting up the Crew SC for the win before being taken out and rested for the rest of the match.
Higuain wasn’t the only star in this match however, as every member of the Columbus offense played dominantly. The Crew SC created scoring opportunities with ease, and the fact that they were held to two goals is a testament to Atlanta United FC’s goal keeper.
Final Score: Columbus Crew SC – 2, Atlanta United FC – 1
Atlanta looked to make a statement, scoring quickly against the established Columbus Crew SC; however, Columbus controlled the majority of the match with ease and left Match 1 of the Carolina Challenge Cup with a W.
It’s important to remember that this match was a preseason contest, and may not necessarily reflect how either club will look moving forward. Atlanta and Columbus will meet again during the MLS Regular Season on July 17.
Next: Atlanta United passes 40,000 tickets for home opener
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