The Columbus Crew's return to MLS action did not go well, as they lost 3-1 at Charlotte FC on Aug. 15.
The Crew were unbeaten in their past five games entering the game, including advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Charlotte jumped ahead early, with Brandt Bronico scoring in the game's first minute for 1-0 lead. Charlotte made it 2-0 in the ninth minute on a penalty kick by Liel Abada.
The Crew's Chase Adams made it 2-1 when he scored on a header in the 41st minute. The final Charlotte goal game in the 72rd minute when Pep Biel scored on an assist by Rodolfo Aloko.
Just seconds into the match, Brandt Bronico powers @CharlotteFC ahead! pic.twitter.com/JtggajUHdG
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 15, 2026
With the win, Charlotte improved to 8-4-7, with 28 points. The Crew are 5-5-9 with 20 points.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew return to MLS play with 3-1 loss to Charlotte FC