ATL Standard

Atlanta United plays its final match before the Leagues Cup break on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams, the Columbus Crew. The 5-Stripes are coming off a hard-fought 2-2 draw in a midweek matchup against NYCFC, while the Crew were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Charlotte FC. Atlanta is looking to make a move up the standings in the East where it currently sits in 12th place, but it’s only two points out of the eighth spot. Columbus has its eyes on the top of the East as it currently sits in third just seven points behind Inter Miami but with two matches in hand.

In their recent performance, Atlanta came out strong to start the match and throughout the first half. The team produced the fastest goal in club history when Daniel Ríos scored just 21 seconds into the match. They held NYCFC in check for most of the half and then added to the lead through Saba Lobjanidze late in that half. However, NYCFC applied pressure during the second half and eventually equalized.

The challenge for Atlanta this weekend will be to maintain a strong performance over 90 minutes. Against a top team like Columbus, any drop in intensity and concentration could result in punishment quickly. If Atlanta can play with consistent intensity and quality as shown at times against NYCFC for an entire match, it will have a chance to secure a positive result against Columbus.

Columbus’ game under head coach Wilfried Nancy is characterized by attractive, free-flowing attacking soccer. He allows players freedom while providing enough structure for effective counter-pressing and ball control. Key players include striker Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi who joined midseason last year, and former Atlanta midfielder Darlington Nagbe who organizes play from midfield.

This matchup will test Atlanta’s defense significantly as they need to contain multiple attacking options from Columbus.

Columbus has conceded only 20 goals through 22 matches this season, holding the best defensive record in the league coming into this weekend. One key for Atlanta's victory will be capitalizing on scoring opportunities efficiently when they arise. The team recorded a season-high nine shots on target against NYCFC with winger Xande Silva achieving five shots on target alone—a career-high for him—and Lobjanidze contributing with both a goal and an assist.

Fans can tune into MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Saturday night at 7:30 pm ET when action kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Radio coverage is available on Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).