Fourth seeded Atlanta United (15-9-10) will kick off their first ever run at the MLS Cup Thursday as they host the sixth seed Columbus Crew (16-12-6) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta has beaten the Crew twice already this season, with a combined 5-1 aggregate score, but Columbus are riding one of the hottest streaks in MLS with ten games unbeaten. Here’s what the Five Stripes can expect out of their next opponent:
Spearheading the Attack
He may not have garnered the same headlines as some of the other strikers in the league, but there are few more lethal attackers than the tip of the Crew’s attacking spear, Ola Kamara. The Norwegian forward is fast with a lethal finish, and is always intelligent with his runs to get on the end of passes from the Columbus creative forces Justin Meram and Federico Higuain. His athleticism allows him to consistently beat defenders and get his head or foot on crosses from the wing, and his heady runs can at times leave a defense helpless. His 18-goal tally for the season is just one fewer than Atlanta’s electric striker Josef Martinez, so he will be a constant threat for the Five Stripes’ back line.
DP on the Wing
Atlanta may have taken down Columbus twice already this season, but there will be a big difference in the Crew’s starting lineup this time around. Pedro Santos joined the club back in August from the Portuguese first division, and has been a mainstay on the right wing ever since. Santos adds blistering pace to their right wing with a bit of creativity and European class. While it hasn’t shown much on the scoresheet, his arrival has coincided with the Crew’s second-half resurgence up the Eastern Conference standings. While Columbus has plenty of other attacking options, like the aforementioned attacking trio of Meram, Higuain and Kamara, Atlanta’s defense can’t lose sight of the speedy Portuguese winger.
Set piece threat
Atlanta United’s defensive form has been the defining story of the second half of the season, with seven clean sheets in the last ten matches. But despite their airtight back line from open play, six out of Atlanta’s last eight goals conceded have come from aerial balls or set pieces. The Crew, meanwhile, are one of the most clinical set piece teams in the league, with seven goals despite the fewest shots from set pieces in the league. Keeping concentration on set piece defending – and limiting fouls that concede set pieces in dangerous areas – will be a key for Atlanta United to top the Crew in their first-ever playoff matchup.
Follow Along
The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, and a limited number of tickets are available for purchase here. If you can’t make it in person, make sure to tune in on ESPN 2 or UniMás Atlanta United looks to keep their MLS Cup Playoffs run alive in their inaugural season.
