Columbus Crew's Diego Rossi wins Goal of the Matchday

Uruguayan star's long-range strike tops fan vote for MLS Matchday 1

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:06pm

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Columbus Crew forward Diego Rossi has earned AT&T Goal of the Matchday honors for Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS season, claiming 37.1% of the fan vote. Rossi's long-range equalizer against the Portland Timbers was chosen as the top goal of the opening weekend.

Why it matters

Goal of the Matchday awards are an important recognition for MLS players, highlighting the league's top individual moments and helping to drive fan engagement and interest in the new season.

The details

Rossi's goal came in the Crew's 3-2 loss to the Portland Timbers. The Uruguayan star blasted a long-range shot into the top left corner to level the score. Other nominees included Wessam Abou Ali of the Palestine national team, 17-year-old Julian Hall of the New York Red Bulls, and LAFC's David Martínez.

  • Rossi's goal came during Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS season.

The players

Diego Rossi

A forward for the Columbus Crew who won the AT&T Goal of the Matchday award for Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS season.

Wessam Abou Ali

A Palestine international who was a nominee for the AT&T Goal of the Matchday award for Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS season.

Julian Hall

A 17-year-old striker for the New York Red Bulls who was a nominee for the AT&T Goal of the Matchday award for Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS season.

David Martínez

A player for LAFC who was a nominee for the AT&T Goal of the Matchday award for Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS season.

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The takeaway

Rossi's long-range strike showcased the talent and skill of MLS players, and the Goal of the Matchday award helps to celebrate the league's top individual moments and drive fan interest in the new season.