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Standings PTS GD GF GA
- Columbus Crew 6 +3 5 2
- Charleston Battery 3 0 2 2
- Minnesota United 1 -1 1 2
- Atlanta United 1 -2 2 4
Charleston Battery vs. Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew continued their excellent form in the Carolina Challenge Cup with a 2-1 win against hosts Charleston Battery. Holy City FC didn’t make it easy early on, as Ian Svantesson scored his second goal of the CCC in the 32nd minute with a powerful finish past Zack Steffen after an assist from Tah Brian Anunga. However, Gyasi Zardes made his presence felt in the air, leveling it in the 56th after a cross from Edward Opoku found the head of the former Galaxy man. A nearly identical result came in the 82nd minute, when Zardes found the end of Harrison Afful’s pass in the 82nd minute to complete his brace and the comeback win for the Crew.
Patrick Okonkwo and Gordon Wild, on loan from Atlanta United to Charleston, were unused substitutes.
Atlanta United vs. Minnesota United
The Five Stripes’ slowly seem to be finding their groove this preseason, as they tied Minnesota United 1-1 to end Day Two. Kevin Molino’s converted penalty in the 53rd minute looked to be the difference in the match, but a superb strike from Ezequiel Barco in the 85th minute salvaged a result for Atlanta United. It’s also important to mention that Atlanta was on the front foot for the fixture’s entirety. This was a much improved performance compared to the previous two matches.
Carolina Challenge Cup: Matchday Three
Columbus Crew vs. Minnesota United: 2/24, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Atlanta United: 2/24, 7:30 p.m.