It feels like it’s been a while, right? After an eventful international break here in Atlanta and successfully memory-holing whatever happened the weekend before (seriously, don’t remind me), Atlanta United now completes their early season home stand tonight with the fourth of four consecutive game in the Benz, this time against the Columbus Crew.
Thanks to the aforementioned break, whatever mometum gained (if any) from the Five Stripes’ matches prior has stagnated. If anything, the break only made fans more desparate to see quality soccer after the USMNT fell in back to back friendlies on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium grass.
Nothing a little 404 Day magic can’t fix.
This also ain’t your couple years ago Columbus Crew. In fact, the Crew have yet to find a win this season through five matches, picking up two points from draws against Sporting Kansas City and the Chicago Fire. Wilfried Nancy’s successor Henrik Rydström has his work cut out for him early on as he aims to return Columbus to former heights.
Let’s have a look at some key figures for the matchup with the help of stats.scarvesandspikes.com.
The all-time record has swung in the Crew’s direction as of late, especially with the help of Nancy’s highly successful teams. This includes the two sides’ previous meeting, what I can only describe as a monstrosity of a soccer match:
Yeesh. While nine goals would be a nice reprive from another scoreless draw, I’d rather not go through that again, thanks. Luckily, or unluckily, neither side has shown much in the way of elite goalscoring ability this year, each with just five goals so far. Instead, both Atlanta and Columbus rank in the top ten MLS teams in terms of average possession, holding over 55% per match. Not quite D.C. United this time.
While not having to face Nancy tactically, the Five Stripes also have the advantage of not facing former Atlanta driver and midfielder Darlington Nagbe on the pitch anymore. That certainly helps, if not for some absences of Atlanta’s own. Matias Galarza will be away for this one as he sorts out visa-related things in his native Paraguay. Fret not, though, as Jay Fortune has at long last been cleared for first team selection, along with Will Reilly. Okay, maybe fret a little, as it’s doubtful either jumps back in at peak form. It’s certainly worth celebrating, though, and helps make a crowded midfield room even more competitive.
As we gear up for this evening’s 7:39 PM kickoff, hear from the opposition’s side of things with our prematch 3 Questions, this time with Tyler Fisher from Massive Report.
3 Questions: A look at the Columbus Crew with Tyler Fisher of Massive Report
Insight on the Columbus Crew from Massive Report as Atlanta United faces them on Saturday.
After a loss, a win, and a draw, can the Five Stripes close their home stand with a result and further proof of concept for 2026? There’s only one way to know.
If making the trip downtown isn’t in your evening plans, you can still catch the broadcast on Apple TV, no MLS Season Pass required. Your English radio broadcast for this one will be on 92.9 The Game, and the usual spot for Spanish on La Mejor.
No matter where you are, or how things look on the pitch, feel free to chime in on the match down below in our match thread for tonight as the Five Stripes seek points. And goals. Preferably multiple.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Columbus Crew’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, April 4th, 7:39 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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I’m a couch watcher from here on out. $14 beer and the hassle of the worst transit system on planet earth to get to MBS just to watch this kind of fuckery just isn’t worth it anymore.
Without a doubt, the worst rubbish I’ve seen from this team.
My wife is asking “ why do you keep watching this crappy team “ … and I don’t have an answer
I was watching the Braves game, so I wasn’t able to really keep up with the United match. Were the goals that we gave up more defensive miscues again or Columbus just that much better than us?
I think Columbus probably bunted and we threw it into right field
Good lord. Is this team ever competitive anymore? Just seems like weve been taking beating after beating since 2020
11 minutes of stoppage time ? That is impressive
I like the sub choice of Jamal T – twist the knife of how much latte sucks as he is barely better than a bench sub we sent to Columbus
I’d seriously consider a like for like swap to send Lath to Columbus and bring Thiaré back.
ELL is the invisible man
Hey MLS! Come to Atlanta! We will make you look like an organized, dangerous, soccer team!
Two populations currently asleep in MBS: Camera operators and everyone in an ATLUTD jersey
I am amazed at the amount of fail we can pack into one game
We suck again !
Dead thread
Dead ass boring game
I swear if we back pass out of the attacking third to the defensive third one more time I am going to snap
Anyone else losing the ATL radio broadcast audio in Apple TV
Sadly our offense looks to similar to the DC game
interesting to see how Sanchez is on the bench with Galarza not available, so it is Reilly and Alzate instead
With Galarza out with visa issues (I thought he had a visa already), I am less confident about this one – maybe a draw, though I hope for a narrow victory.
I do wonder what happened with his visa that there is an issue. I don’t think I have ever seen this happen with an athlete.