Columbus Crew earn first win under new coach

Crew snap 5-game winless streak with 3-1 victory over Atlanta United

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:31pm

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The Columbus Crew earned their first win of the 2026 season, defeating Atlanta United 3-1 on the road. The victory snapped a 5-game winless streak that began under new head coach Henrik Rydstrom's tenure.

Why it matters

The Crew's slow start to the season had raised questions about Rydstrom's ability to turn the team around, so this win provides a much-needed boost of confidence and momentum for the club.

The details

Rydstrom noted that the Crew were playing with a renewed energy and focus in the match, which translated to their first victory. The win ended a frustrating stretch that had seen the team struggle to find its footing under the new coach.

  • The Crew's 3-1 victory over Atlanta United took place on April 4, 2026.
  • The win snapped a 5-game winless streak that had started at the beginning of Rydstrom's tenure as head coach.

The players

Henrik Rydstrom

The new head coach of the Columbus Crew, who was brought in to turn the team around after a disappointing start to the 2026 season.

Columbus Crew

The professional soccer team based in Columbus, Ohio that competes in Major League Soccer.

Atlanta United

The professional soccer team based in Atlanta, Georgia that competes in Major League Soccer and was defeated by the Crew in this match.

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What they’re saying

“It's about not chasing [or getting] distracted by outcome, but at the end of the day we also know that it's a relief,”

— Henrik Rydstrom, Head Coach, Columbus Crew

What’s next

The Crew will look to build on this win and continue their momentum as they prepare for their next match against the New England Revolution on April 11.

The takeaway

This victory provides a much-needed boost for the Crew and their new head coach, showing that the team is capable of turning things around after a difficult start to the season. The win could be a turning point that helps the Crew establish themselves as a contender in the Eastern Conference.