The last 2023 Atlanta United regular season home game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, against Columbus Crew, was predicted to be a high scoring affair between MLS’ two best offenses.
Instead, fans were treated to a back and forth match where both teams’ defenses bent, but rarely broke. The match – in front of 42,684 fans, making Atlanta United the fastest club in MLS to reach 5 million in MLS regular season games – had a nicely raucous atmosphere despite both the Braves and UGA playing simultaneously. Miles Robinson’s stoppage time header to draw the Five Stripes level with a goal each sent them all into an uproar.
Here are a few quick thoughts on Atlanta United’s 1-1 draw against Columbus Crew.
- Atlanta’s creativity in the attack brings chances, even against opponents that are playing better on the day. The team has to execute on those opportunities, though. An early chance in this match fell to an on-running Brooks Lennon on the left side of the box, which tends to throw opposing defenses for a loop considering Lennon is a right back, but the shot was sent harmlessly over the bar. Understandably, that’s soccer; scoring the goal is the tough part, but that crispness in the final third is going to be what makes or breaks this team in the playoffs.
- Brad Guzan had one of his best games of the season, and perhaps made this defense look slightly better than it was. It’s never good when your goalkeeper has to stand on his head to make multiple saves, and it unfortunately hides the fact that the defense still wasn’t up to par with communication and leadership. However, the caveat to all this is Columbus is a really good team with a great offense. They won’t be a pushover to the team that draws them in the playoffs, but for Atlanta it’s a motivational victory that they were able to pull out a draw in the dying moments of the match.
- Never leave an Atlanta United game early. The amount of game-tying or game-winning goals this team has had in stoppage time is unreal, and it’s a testament to the fighting culture Pineda has helped instill in the team. When asked about that after the match, he noted that “At times it’s intrinsic, within the players. The coaching staff puts together very good goals in terms of fighting and competing in training sessions.” He said that various drills and games they play in training help develop that mentality; for example, the small-sided games we’ve shared on Scarves and Spikes where each goal in the last two minutes counts double is one way the staff pushes that urgency. Ultimately, it’s paying off. This team has its flaws, sure, but they’ve been outstanding when it comes to a fighting, never-give-up mentality. Miles Robinson’s game-tying header in this match is a perfect example.
Atlanta United has multiple players headed to country duty in this international break before they return to action on Decision Day against F.C. Cincinnati. With a top-four spot now out of reach, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a heavily rotated lineup come October 21st as the team preps for a playoff run. In the meantime, be sure to head over to our YouTube and subscribe so you don’t miss the two awesome episodes we have planned for this international break!