Atlanta United was eliminated from playoff contention after a 5-4 loss to Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night. Despite scoring four unanswered goals in the second half, Atlanta could not overcome a five-goal deficit built by Columbus in the first half.
Columbus took an early lead when Diego Rossi scored twice within three minutes, putting Atlanta behind 2-0 by the 17th minute. Wessam Abou Ali and Andres Herrera added two more goals for Columbus before Rossi completed his hat trick in the 39th minute, making it 5-0.
Miguel Almirón converted a penalty kick just before halftime, tying him with Thiago Almada as Atlanta United’s second all-time leading scorer with 26 career goals. The momentum continued after halftime when Pedro Amador headed in his first goal for Atlanta, and Jamal Thiaré followed up quickly with another score assisted by Enea Mihaj, marking Mihaj’s first career goal contribution for the club.
Coach Ronny Deila made several substitutions in the second half, including bringing on Alexey Miranchuk and giving Homegrown midfielder Cooper Sanchez his MLS debut. Stian Gregersen also recorded his first assist with Atlanta on Thiaré’s second goal late in the match.
Atlanta United outperformed Columbus Crew in expected goals (3.8 to 1.7), but defensive lapses proved costly. “Deila has preached being more effective in both boxes, but that instruction didn’t quite translate yet,” according to team statements.
The loss officially removes Atlanta United from playoff contention this season. Their next match is scheduled at home against new MLS club San Diego FC on September 20.
