Rossi’s first-half hat trick fuels Crew past Atlanta in 9-goal thriller

Jonathan Turner
Sep 15, 2025
1 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

Rossi’s first-half hat trick fuels Crew past Atlanta in 9-goal thriller

ATLANTA — Diego Rossi recorded a first-half hat trick as Columbus raced to a five-goal lead and then held off a furious late surge to beat Atlanta United 5–4 on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Rossi struck three times before halftime to put the Crew in command at 3–0, part of a blistering opening spell that saw Columbus pile on two more before the break for a 5–0 advantage. The Five Stripes rallied after halftime with four unanswered goals to set up a frantic finish, but the comeback fell short and extinguished Atlanta’s playoff hopes.

Major League Soccer

The nine goals were the most ever scored in a match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Columbus weathered heavy pressure in the final minutes, clearing multiple dangerous entries and surviving a pair of late set pieces. The result delivers a statement road win for the Crew, who leaned on Rossi’s clinical finishing and quick combinations through the half-spaces to carve open Atlanta early.

Atlanta’s second-half response energized the home crowd, as the Five Stripes pressed higher, won second balls, and found gaps in transition to claw back within one. Columbus goalkeeper and back line turned away the equalizer in stoppage time to seal the points.

The match was broadcast on FOX Sports+1.