Crew survive soggy conditions, beat Atlanta United 2-0

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Gyasi Zardes scored in his return from international duty to help the Columbus Crew beat Atlanta United 2-0 in a match slowed down by soggy field conditions on Saturday night.

Zardes stopped from a full run and stepped back to create space in the penalty area to finish Robinho’s cross, making it 2-0 with a low shot in the 39th minute. Zardes had a goal in an international friendly against Ecuador on March 21 and added and an assist against Chile on Tuesday.

Pedro Santos opened the scoring for the Crew (3-1-1) in the second minute, pouncing on a deflection for his first goal in over a year.

Brad Guzan saved a penalty for Atlanta United (0-2-2) in the 58th minute.