Gregersen’s double strike gives Atlanta United a 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew

Central defender Stian Gregersen scored twice in the second half to lead Atlanta United to a stunning 2-1 victory over reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The win caps a two-game winning streak for Atlanta United, which saw them secure four points for the Leagues Cup break, having drawn with New York City FC earlier in the week.

Interim head coach Rob Valentino praised the team’s resilience, saying, “We knew that in a game like this against Columbus they were going to be really good with the ball, and so we thought there would be room in transition as well. The main emphasis was to be disciplined.”

Atlanta United started the match aggressively, with early chances from Brooks Lennon and Jamal Thiaré, but it was Columbus who struck first, with Diego Rossi capitalizing on a rebound in the 36th minute to give the Crew a 1-0 lead.

Gregersen equalized in the 60th minute with a powerful header from a Saba Lobjanidze corner kick, scoring his first MLS goal. He then secured the win with another header from a Lobjanidze corner kick in the 76th minute, completing his first professional game with two goals.

Gregersen’s performance was crucial, especially after returning from a red card suspension. His brace is the fourth for an Atlanta United player this season, giving the team an important victory and energizing the home crowd.