Columbus Crew 3, Orlando City 1: Abou Ali Shines in Crew's Home Win

TITLE: Columbus Crew 3, Orlando City 1: Abou Ali Shines in Crew's Home Win

Columbus Crew defeated Orlando City 3-1 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Sunday night, earning their second consecutive victory and their first home win under new head coach Henrik Rydström. Wessam Abou Ali was the standout performer, scoring twice in the second half to lead the Crew to a crucial Eastern Conference win.

Abou Ali’s brace gave him five goals on the season, placing him among the early leaders in the Golden Boot race. The Palestine international took full advantage of a leaky Orlando defense, which has now allowed 23 goals this season — the most in MLS. Columbus’ win lifts them to five points on the season, moving them out of the bottom half of the Eastern Conference.

Max Arfsten was also a key figure in the victory, recording one goal and one assist in the win. The USMNT defender has been in fine form since returning from the March international window and is now a regular in head coach Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Orlando, meanwhile, continues to struggle under interim head coach Martín Perelman. The Lions have now lost four of their last five matches and sit at just three points, 14th in the Eastern Conference. Their defensive woes were on full display again, as they surrendered three goals to a Columbus side that found rhythm in the final third.

The turning point came in the 58th minute when Abou Ali capitalized on a defensive error to put Columbus ahead 2-1. Less than 10 minutes later, he doubled the lead with a clinical finish, effectively sealing the result. Orlando’s only goal came from Martín Ojeda, who has now scored twice this season.

Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who is competing with Inter Miami’s Dayne St. Clair for Canada’s starting World Cup job, was outdueled by Columbus’ André Gomes, who made several key saves to preserve the clean sheet. Gomes, a veteran with experience in the Premier League and LaLiga, has been a stabilizing presence in his first three starts with the Crew.

The loss leaves Orlando in desperate need of a defensive overhaul before the arrival of Antoine Griezmann in July. The French star is expected to bolster the attack, but the backline must improve drastically to avoid a record-setting season for goals conceded.

Columbus will look to extend their winning streak when they host Inter Miami next weekend. Orlando, meanwhile, will travel to New England in search of their first win under Perelman.