Cucho Hernández scores 2 goals to help Crew beat Atlanta United 2-0 in MLS playoffs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Cucho Hernández scored twice to reach 18 goals this season and No. 3 seed Columbus Crew beat sixth-seeded Atlanta United 2-0 Wednesday night in the playoffs of the MLS.

Columbus (17-9-9) plays Atlanta (13-10-12) on Tuesday in the second game of the best-of-three series.

Columbus is undefeated in 16 consecutive home matches in all competitions, with 12 wins. The Crew has won seven of its last eight playoff games at home, with one tie, including six in a row.

Atlanta has won just four of its last 35 away matches in all competitions, with 18 defeats, dating back to 2022.

Hernández scored his first goal in added time of the first half. After an Atlanta turnover, Diego Rossi launched a counterattack by sending a long pass to Hernández, who beat his defender to send a shot to the near post.

Hernández, who was 5-for-5 from the penalty spot during the regular season, converted a penalty in the 51st minute to give Columbus multiple goals in a game for the league-high 22nd time this season.

Atlanta was without Thiago Almada, who led MLS with 19 assists this season, after he was sent off on decision day.

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