Crew draw vs Kansas City despite missed PK

Wessam Abou Ali fails to convert late penalty kick, settling for 2-2 draw

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Columbus Crew were unable to secure their first win under new head coach Henrik Rydstrom, drawing 2-2 against Sporting Kansas City despite a late penalty kick opportunity. Striker Wessam Abou Ali scored the opening goal for the Crew, but missed a crucial penalty kick in the 87th minute that would have given them the lead. Crew forward Diego Rossi also found the back of the net, but the team conceded two goals to Kansas City's Dejan Joveljic in the second half.

Why it matters

The draw extends the Crew's winless start to the season under Rydstrom, as the team continues to adjust to a new coaching staff and system. Abou Ali's missed penalty kick was a pivotal moment that could have given the Crew all three points on the road. The result also highlights the Crew's struggles to protect leads, an area Rydstrom will look to improve as the season progresses.

The details

With the game tied 1-1 late, the Crew were awarded a penalty kick after a VAR review determined forward Jamal Thiare was fouled in the box. Abou Ali stepped up to take the penalty, but his shot was saved by Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp. Abou Ali took one more header attempt in the 90th minute that went just wide of the goal. The missed penalty was only the second Abou Ali has failed to convert in his professional career.

  • The Crew took a 1-0 lead into halftime after Abou Ali scored in the first half.
  • Kansas City equalized in the second half with two goals from Dejan Joveljic.
  • Rossi scored the tying goal for the Crew in the 82nd minute to make it 2-2.
  • The penalty kick opportunity for Abou Ali came in the 87th minute.

The players

Wessam Abou Ali

A 27-year-old striker for the Columbus Crew who has scored five goals in five appearances this season.

Diego Rossi

A forward for the Columbus Crew who scored the equalizing goal in the 82nd minute.

John Pulskamp

The goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City who made a one-handed save on Abou Ali's penalty kick.

Dejan Joveljic

A striker for Sporting Kansas City who scored both of their goals in the second half.

Henrik Rydstrom

The head coach of the Columbus Crew, who is in his first season with the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I didn't collect myself mentally enough before the PK. That's blame that I put on myself. I think everyone knows that I have confidence that I will score the next one. That's life, right? I am a striker. I shoot penalties, and I shoot free kicks. And sometimes you score, sometimes you miss.”

— Wessam Abou Ali, Striker

“For me, it's his responsibility to take the penalty. I know he will take the penalty in the next game [if needed], and he will score on that. That's his mentality.”

— Henrik Rydstrom, Head Coach

“That's our job. We are offensive players. We need to score. We at least aim to score a minimum of one goal every game. It doesn't happen every game, but you need to have that confidence and that belief.”

— Wessam Abou Ali, Striker

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the Crew's continued struggles to close out matches, as they were unable to hold onto their lead despite a late penalty kick opportunity. Abou Ali's missed penalty will be a tough moment, but the team and coach remain confident he will bounce back. The Crew will look to earn their first win under Rydstrom in their next match.