Zelarayán scores the longest free-kick in MLS history: Who had the previous record?
The Armenia international has scored 17 goals from outside the box since he moved to MLS in 2020.
Lucas Zelarayán broke a record on Wednesday when he scored the longest free-kick in MLS history at the Bank of America Stadium. Zelarayán scored from 56 yards out as Columbus Crew played out a 2-2 draw with Charlotte in the penultimate round of the regular MLS season.
In the 36th minute, Zelarayán was fouled just inside the Crew’s half, and he stepped up to take the free-kick, before spotting goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina way off his line. The 30-year-old’s shot sailed over Kahlina’s head and into the goal to give his side the lead. According to the MLS, it was the longest distance from which a free-kick has been scored since stats on the league were first recorded in 2010.
Broke Smith’s record
The previous was set by Colorado’s Jamie Smith in May 2011, when he scored from 52 yards out. Zelarayán’s effort bettered Smith’s attempt by four yards.
The Armenia international has scored 17 goals from outside the box since he moved to MLS in 2020 and he is now level with Robert Warzycha for the most set-piece goals in the Crew’s history.
Zelarayán has scored 10 times this season and together with his 11 assists, he has become the third player in the club’s history to register double digit goals and assists in a single season.
Luis Diaz scored another for the Crew but Charlotte came back to earn a 2-2 draw. The Crew can still advance to the MLS play-offs if they win their final game of the season.