Atlanta United bounce back with Stian Gregersen double to beat Columbus Crew 2-1

Center back Stian Gregersen scored twice, his first career goal for Atlanta United, and the 5-Stripes stunned the defending MLS Cup champion with a 2-1 victory Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The win comes at the end of two consecutive home games for Atlanta United. Saturday’s result means the club ends the final stretch with four points before the Leagues Cup break. Atlanta United played New York City FC earlier this week, which earned them a draw.

Looking to replicate Wednesday’s masterclass, when the team scored the fastest goal in club history 21 seconds into the game, Atlanta United attacked Saturday. This time, Brooks Lennon fed a ball into the box that Bartosz Slisz headed home, but the first shot of the game was off target to challenge Columbus goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.

Cucho followed with a long-range shot for Columbus in the third minute that was well struck but flew wide of the goal.

Atlanta United came out swinging early in the first half, creating chances with well-placed long passes. First, in the seventh minute, Brooks Lennon played the ball to Saturday’s starter Jamal Thiare. The Senegalese forward passed the ball to Xande Silva, who shot on target. Hagen blocked the ball but Thiare was in position to collect the rebound. It looked like the goalkeeper might be penalized for a foul after a collision with Thiare in the box prompted a whistle, but in the end the flag was raised. Atlanta United was flagged offside.

On Atlanta’s next possession, it was Xande Silva who sent the long ball to Slisz. The pass crossed Slisz’s run, but the Polish international failed to get a good touch on the ball to make an accurate shot.

Atlanta, again on a long pass over the top, this time from central defender Stian Gregersen, created another opportunity in the 13th minute. Saba Lobjanidze took advantage of Gregersen’s pass and sent a low cross into the box. Thiare received the cross for a point-blank shot, but Hagen made the save, his second in 15 minutes of play.

Despite Atlanta’s strong first-half performance, the Reds created chances and the visitors took advantage in the 36th minute. Alexandru Matan dribbled the ball to the end line and fired a shot near the post. Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who was covering his post, dove to make the initial save, but the rebound went straight to where Diego Rossi was waiting. He finished the shot to give Columbus a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta United responded early in the second half from a corner. The 6-foot-3 Gregersen headed in a pass from Lobjanidze. The header was obvious and Gregersen slotted the ball into the back of the net to tie the game in the 60th minute.

The goal is the first from a corner kick this season for Atlanta United. It is also the first career MLS goal for Gregersen. The Norwegian center back signed with Atlanta United last offseason.