COLUMBUS (AP) — MLS Cup MVP Cucho Hernández picked up where he left off last season, scoring 27 minutes into the match to spark the defending-champion Crew to a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United in an opener.
Hernández was in the right place at the right time, redirecting a deflection by Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan — on a shot by Diego Rossi — into the net.
Patrick Schulte finished with three saves to earn the clean sheet for the Crew.
Guzan stopped two shots for Atlanta United.
The Crew travel to play Minnesota United on March 2.