With another international break in the books, Atlanta United returns to MLS action this Saturday night when it hosts Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 5-Stripes are coming off a 1-0 road win against Nashville SC last time out. They will look to continue that momentum, especially defensively, this weekend. Columbus is winless in its last four MLS matches as it has fallen in the Eastern Conference standings down to seventh place. Atlanta has to win to keep its slim playoff chances alive for another week. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Columbus Crew.
Continue defensive consistency
Atlanta is coming off its first road win of the season and has shown some good improvement defensively in the last couple of matches. The 5-Stripes have earned back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since August 2023. Jayden Hibbert has recorded two clean sheets in his three MLS starts in his young career. He made seven saves in Nashville and earned a call-up to Canada’s national team during the break. Consistency has also come at the centerback position where Enea Mihaj and Stian Gregersen have started the last four MLS matches together, the longest streak this year of any centerback duo for Atlanta. If the 5-Stripes can continue to improve defensively and find a way to earn a third consecutive clean sheet, that will be the foundation for success against a tough Columbus side.
Don’t let Columbus get into rhythm
Over the last several years under head coach Wilfried Nancy, the Crew have been one of the best offensive teams in MLS. They are at their most dangerous when you allow them to establish their rhythm early in the match. They have players that can hurt you from different areas of the pitch and they play one of the more fluid, interchangeable brands of soccer in the league. Diego Rossi once again leads the attack with 13 goals. Former Philadelphia Union stand-out Daniel Gazdag has hurt Atlanta in the past. Max Arfsten, who has become a regular on the U.S. Men’s National Team recently, can create scoring chances from his left wing back position. Atlanta will have to be aware of the different threats that Columbus provides at all times.
Build on set piece success
Against Nashville, a set piece proved to be the difference in the match. Steven Alzate, making his first start since his summer move, delivered an assist off a free kick which Ronald Hernández converted. So far this season, 25% of Atlanta’s goals have come off set pieces. That’s the ninth-highest percentage of set piece goals in the league coming into this weekend. Atlanta now features several players that can deliver quality crosses into the box on set pieces like Alzate, Alexey Miranchuk and others. With several players arriving from international duty throughout the week and being re-integrated into the flow of training and league play, set pieces could be a key to creating scoring opportunities against Columbus.
Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET when the action kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).
