Atlanta United’s inaugural regular season was historic in many ways, but for the Atlanta United players, it’s now just that: history. With the focus fully forward on the team’s first ever playoff run, there’s a familiar foe looming in the first round. Atlanta United has already faced the Columbus Crew twice this year, so they’re a side the Five Stripes know well.
- WATCH: Highlights - Atlanta United 3-1 Columbus Crew
- WATCH: Highlights - Columbus Crew 0-2 Atlanta United
“They play very good soccer,” said Michael Parkhurst, who captained Columbus last year. “(Federico) Higuain, (Justin) Meram and (Ola) Kamara – that threesome – is very, very good. We just have to put them under pressure and get in behind them like we were.”
Having a knowledge of their next opponent can certainly help in a tight playoff match that can be determined by just one moment for either team. Head Coach Tata Martino said his side has already improved by playing the Crew this year.
“The game in Columbus they made us play a way that fit their style for a better part of the game, and the same thing happened for periods in the game at home,” he said through a translator. “So I think we adapted well to those situations and I think that made our team better.”
Atlanta United have already beaten Columbus home and away this year, but the Crew enter the game in great form, unbeaten in ten matches. And with the added intensity of the playoffs, the squad is fully prepared for a different test come Thursday.
“[Previous matches don’t] register at all,” goalkeeper Brad Guzan said Sunday. “The playoffs are a completely different beast. Games are tighter. Games are a lot closer. The regular season goes out the window.”
“It’s a difficult game,” Jeff Larentowicz told reporters. “Obviously, they have a playmaker that we always have to worry about. I think that they play a pretty similar style so it’s going to be difficult. I think that they like to do what we like to do, which makes it kind of a direct matchup but, again, we’re at home so I think that we will take the initiative.”
As the saying goes, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Atlanta’s style has led them to the second-best offense in the league and a top-5 goal differential in league history. So while the playoffs pose a unique challenge, don’t expect major changes from head coach Martino.
“We’ve played Columbus twice this season, so they know how we play,” he said. “We know how they play. We do have the home-field advantage, but I think they are two pretty even teams. I don’t really believe in those magic preparations three days before a game. We’ve been playing the same way the whole season so I think that’s the way you have to look at it. We’ll go into the game doing the same thing we’ve been doing all season.”
“They have some attacking players who are always dangerous,” added midfielder Kevin Kratz. “We did well against them so far and we just have to be prepared for that. Rest now, recover and then be ready for that game.”
Atlanta United will make their MLS Cup Playoffs debut Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the crucial single-elimination knockout round. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are still available. Click here to get tickets to cheer on Atlanta United as they look to make history in their first-ever playoff run.
