In another rain-soaked match against Atlanta United, an early 2-0 deficit stifled the Black & Gold as the Columbus Crew SC went on to fall 3-2 and see its run for the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup come to an end on Tuesday, June 18 at MAPFRE Stadium.
Atlanta struck early when Brandon Vasquez picked off a pass and placed the ball to the far post in the fifth minute.
Shortly after, the Five Stripes then doubled their lead in the 12th minute when Miles Robinson headed down an open corner kick delivery from Ezequiel Barco.
The Black & Gold responded in the 40th minute, however, when Luis Argudo slotted a pass back to David Accam, who then hit it towards the far post. The assist marks Argudo's first for Crew SC this year and Accam's second goal in as many games.
In the 65th minute, Atlanta's Vasquez solidified his brace to make it 3-1 after dribbling the ball across the touchline and curving it into the far post.
Crew SC responded again in the 71st minute when defender Waylon Francis, who had subbed onto the field just seconds before, struck a ball across the face of the goal that Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan deflected into the back of the net.
After a delay due to inclement weather, the Black & Gold were not able to convert on a couple of solid opportunities in the final 15 minutes.
With this loss, Crew SC has been eliminated in the U.S. Open Cup in the Round of 16, the farthest the Club has made it in the tournament since 2010.
Up next, Crew SC will return to regular-season play when they take on Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, June 23 at MAPFRE Stadium.
Supporters can watch the match on FOX Sports Ohio, stream on FOX Sports GO, or listen on 97.1 FM The Fan or www.ColumbusCrewSC.com (English & Spanish).
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Goal Scoring Rundown:
ATL - Brandon Vasquez, 5th minute: Vasquez picks off a pass and slots the ball to the right post. CLB 0, ATL 1
ATL - Miles Robinson (Ezequiel Barco), 14th minute: Robinson heads a corner kick down into the back of the net. CLB 0, ATL 2
CLB - David Accam (Luis Argudo), 40th minute: Accam strikes the ball to the far post off a slotted ball from Argudo. CLB 1, ATL 2
ATL - Brandon Vasquez, 65th minute: Vasquez places the ball across the touchline and into the far post. CLB 1, ATL 3
CLB - Own Goal (Brad Guzan), 71st minute: Guzan dove and tipped the ball into the near post. CLB 2, ATL 3 | FINAL
Lineups:
Columbus Crew SC
Atlanta United FC
Match Notes:
Midfielder David Accam scored Crew SC’s first goal in tonight’s 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match against Atlanta United. The goal marked his second consecutive goal in as many U.S. Open Cup matches, as the midfielder had previously scored the game-winning goal against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (Fourth Round - June 11). Accam’s goal came in the 40th minute, when he received a cross from Luis Argudo inside the box before sending the ball past Atlanta’s Brad Guzan. In 2019, Accam has made four regular-season appearances (three starts) for Crew SC, while providing one assist. Additionally, Accam made two U.S. Open Cup appearances (both starts), while scoring two goals.
Midfielder Luis Argudo made his first start of 2019 for Crew SC in tonight’s 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup home contest against Atlanta United. Argudo also registered one assist, as he provided the helper on David Accam’s 40th-minute goal. Argudo played 82 minutes, registering 41 touches, making three tackles and creating two goal-scoring chances. Since joining the Black & Gold ahead of the 2018 season, Argudo has made 23 regular-season appearances (six starts). Argudo also made two appearances (one start) in the 2019 U.S. Open Cup.
Defender Waylon Francis made an appearance in tonight’s 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match against Atlanta United. Francis’ appearance marked the first time he has played for the Crew since May 8, following a left thigh injury. Francis came into the match as a substitute for Harrison Afful in the 70th minute. A minute after taking the field, Francis created the play that resulted in Crew SC’s second goal, as he attempted a cross which Brad Guzan was unable to parry, resulting in a goal for the Crew. In 2019, Francis has made 11 regular-season appearances (all starts) to go along with on appearance in U.S. Open Cup.
During tonight’s contest, midfielder David Guzman registered more touches (75) and attempted more passes (64) than any other player on the field. Additionally, during his 90 minutes of action, Guzman also created four goal-scoring chances, tying with Atlanta United’s Ezequiel Barco for most chances created on the night. Guzman joined Crew SC on May 6 of this year and has made five regular-season appearances (four starts) for the Club to date, while also making two appearances (both starts) in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Up next for Crew SC is a home regular-season contest against Sporting Kansas City this Sunday, June 23 [5:30 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio, FOX Sports GO (Stream) / 97.1 The Fan & 971TheFan.com (English); ColumbusCrewSC.com (Spanish)].
