Columbus Crew SC started the Charleston swing of the preseason with a win against Atlanta United on Saturday evening. Pedro Santos and Cristian Martinez scored for the Black and Gold in the 3-1 win while Josef Martinez scored an own goal and Miguel Almirón added a consolation goal for Atlanta.
The first game of the Carolina Challenge Cup started with a regular season pace. Head coach Gregg Berhalter rolled out a strong lineup with nine likely opening day starters. Only Lalas Abubakar stepped in for the recovering Josh Willams and Gaston Sauro.