Columbus Crew Find Their Scoring Rhythm in Statement Win Over Atlanta United

By all measures, the Columbus Crew’s 2025 campaign has become a study in finishing — and how decisive execution in front of goal can transform a team’s fortunes. Under the calm, steady guidance of head coach Wilfried Nancy, the Black & Gold have navigated the natural ebbs and flows of the MLS season with an unwavering belief that their attacking style will ultimately deliver results. Wednesday night’s 3-1 triumph over Atlanta United at Lower.com Field was further proof of that philosophy bearing fruit.

‍

‍

A Team Built to Attack — Even When Goals Don’t Come

Nancy’s confidence in his side’s attacking identity has never wavered, even during stretches where the final touch deserted them. “The game is about cycles,” he said post-match, capturing a universal truth in football. Sometimes even the simplest chance refuses to cross the line; other times, complex team moves flow into the net with ease. For Columbus, the key is relentless commitment to creating those moments.

That commitment paid off handsomely against Atlanta. The Crew, refreshed after a sparse June schedule, took command early and never truly let go.

‍

‍

First-Half Fireworks at Lower.com Field

The breakthrough came courtesy of Andrés Herrera, who netted his first goal of the season in the 23rd minute. It was a strike that typified Nancy’s system: a perfectly weighted ball from Dylan Chambost sliced open Atlanta’s back line, and Herrera’s clinical finish to the far post set the tone.

Then came the Jacen Russell-Rowe show. The young Canadian forward seized his moment with a brace — the first of his professional career — scoring in the 32nd and 42nd minutes. His opener was particularly impressive, capping a sweeping move that started at the feet of goalkeeper Evan Bush and demonstrated the Crew’s comfort building from the back under pressure. With his two goals, Russell-Rowe pushed his season total to a career-best seven in 19 appearances — a promising sign for a player Nancy believes has only scratched the surface.

‍

“I want more from Mr. Jacen – he knows that,” Nancy said with a smile that hinted at both pride and high standards. “If he's able to repeat this kind of performance, he's going to have a brilliant career.”

‍

Atlanta’s Response Not Enough

To their credit, Atlanta United showed some spark after the break. Brooks Lennon’s consolation goal in the 56th minute gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. But for all their possession, the Five Stripes lacked the precision needed to break down Columbus’s organized defense. Evan Bush remained largely untroubled, preserving what was ultimately a comfortable result.

‍

‍

Momentum at a Crucial Juncture

With two consecutive wins now under their belt, the Crew have reminded the Eastern Conference of their threat when they’re firing on all cylinders. The three points keep Columbus firmly in the playoff picture, and with a pivotal clash against table-topping Philadelphia Union looming this Sunday, the stakes couldn’t be clearer. A six-point gap separates the two clubs, but as Chambost put it: “We want to keep pushing. We know we have a big team against us, but we’re going to be ready.”

The Crew’s belief isn’t mere optimism. With players like Diego Rossi pulling the strings and Russell-Rowe finding form at just the right time, Nancy’s men have the tools to test anyone.

‍

‍

Stars Recognized — and Earning It

Adding to the positive vibes around the club, the Crew will send two deserving players to the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. Max Arfsten, fresh off a Gold Cup call-up with the U.S. Men’s National Team, will make his first All-Star appearance — a testament to his growth since arriving in Columbus. Rossi, meanwhile, will head to his fourth All-Star showcase, underlining his consistent quality as one of the league’s premier attacking threats.

‍

“This is a good example,” Nancy said of Arfsten’s honor. “When you’re talented but also have a good work ethic, you can do good things.”

‍

A Season of Opportunity — If Finishing Stays Clinical

For Columbus fans, the message is clear: this team’s ceiling remains high, provided they continue to execute in the final third. With their dynamic, possession-based style clicking again, the Crew have the look of a club that could make a deep run come fall.

Sunday’s showdown with Philadelphia will be an acid test — but if Nancy’s squad maintain their attacking aggression and sharpened finishing touch, they may yet prove that when the goals come, they come in bunches.

‍

‍

Up Next

• Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union
  Lower.com Field | Sunday, 6 p.m. ET
  A win would cut Philly’s lead and keep the Crew firmly in the hunt for a top seed.
• Atlanta United’s Next Challenge
  After another tough defeat, the struggling Five Stripes will regroup and travel to face the same Philadelphia side on July 5. If they’re to salvage their season, they’ll need to find solutions fast — especially in defense.

Final Word

For all the talk about “cycles” in football, Columbus’s real cycle is clear: quality in the final third begets belief, and belief keeps a good team in the fight. As the business end of the season approaches, the Black & Gold look ready to keep swinging.