Just one match remains for the Five Stripes to crawl into the pit lane that is the World Cup break this summer. We’re so close.
The first portion of the season draws to a close for Atlanta United this evening in Columbus, Ohio, and it couldn’t come soon enough. The last thirteen matches haven’t been up to even the most subdued standards, and there Atlanta remains amid the murky depths of the Eastern Conference with a 3-8-2 record.
Let’s begin with some head-to-head stats, courtesy of stats.scarvesandspikes.com:
Don’t look at the head-to-head too long. Columbus has had Atlanta United’s number in a majority of meetings, but especially in their last three, in which the Crew have scored on Atlanta eleven times. Remember the 5-4? The most recent came in pretty dominant fashion for Columbus, who left Mercedes-Benz Stadium 3-1 victors back on April 4th.
Things seemed to be going well for them at the time, but the past month has seen Columbus fall all the way down the table to 13th, just barely above Atlanta by two whole points. Star striker Wessam Abou Ali, who scored twice in that Atlanta match, left the match after with an ACL injury, and isn’t expected to return this year. Manager Henrik Rydström was relieved of duty a week ago, with the club promoting Laurent Courtois to interim.
It’s hard to say Atlanta have fallen further from where they were at that point, but things haven’t gotten much better. Matias Galarza, approaching the end of his loan, has already been seen in an Atlanta United kit for the last time. On the availability report, Steven Alzate and Latte Lath are questionable, while Fafa Picault is out. Miguel Almiron is available, but hasn’t seen minutes since mid-April. No point in risking him in the final match before a massive World Cup summer.
Speaking of summer, the secondary transfer window opens July 13th. It’s highly possible that the Atlanta team that heads to Nashville on July 17th to resume the season looks different in personnel than the one that takes the field in Columbus this evening. It’s even more so when you realize they won’t be back in the Benz until August 15th.
So, we’ll see this nightmare of a half of a season off with a 5:00 PM ET kickoff on Apple TV as part of Sunday Night Soccer, no MLS Season Pass required. If audio is more your vibe, 92.9 The Game has your English language coverage, while La Mejor is your go-to for Spanish radio.
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, even if good riddance is all that can be said.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Columbus Crew’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus, Ohio
Kickoff Time: Saturday, May 24th, 5:00 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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I was happy when we brought Tata back, only because it was going to bring the fans back into the stadium.
However, I was afraid that the result on the field wouldn’t change.
Unfortunately – that’s exactly what is happening.
I think it’s time for a total overhaul.
Let Tata move on and fire him.
We need someone who will be brave enough to try something new.
Hibbert
Mihaj – Gregersen – Berrocal
Jacob
Fortune – Miranchuck – Muyamba
Almiron
Lath – Santos
Change the style of play and go for long balls, faster transition, high pressure with your trio up top playing defense as soon as the opponent gets possession.
The practice should change to more strength and conditioning and a lot more shots from outside the box!
well that is definitely an interesting formation…a 3-1-3-1-2? don’t think I have ever seen that formation before. also Berrocal’s loan is over in June, so unless we buy him to be a high level TAM player he isn’t coming back. That would also mean we have only 2 true CBs, so a 3 CB set up isn’t likely
Berrocal needs to be replaced!
We definitely don’t need to sign him.
That 3-1-3-1-2 becomes 4-3-3 with ball movement.
I’d like to see Jacob as a CDM because he never stays wide to cover the opposing winger, but he has speed, height, passing abilities and aggression.
I agree with you. I did think Jacob looks better as a CDM, but he will keep playing RB unless we get a starter level RB. Also, definitely need at least 2 more CBs for depth/starter level
This team has a stupid, stubborn coach…the players he starts, will never start anywhere else, he has better talent on the bench..yet #59..is our striker, hoyos is our keeper, bercoal, baez are regular starts. So it’s clear this is a coach..who cannot make a difference. We will be shitty all the way..if this is the team!!!.. the coach us useless..like most of the players he starts!!!
This roster is mostly trash. Moving guys around or in/out is just rearranging the deck chairs in the titanic. Out only hope for any change in trajectory is a very busy summer window.There isn’t a DP or TAM player in the roster that I’d be upset about losing. Tata isn’t without his flaws but no coach out there is turning this roster into a winning club.
I do find it hilarious that we are losing/lost 0-2, but Tata has only used 2 subs. Clearly just trying to get to the World Cup break
We are so toothless offensively and generally poopy defensively – I do commend us for finding new and innovative ways to concede goals
This team has shown it has fight. They’re clearly making the choice not to. Tata has taken responsibility for all their nonchalance on the ball. I honestly don’t understand.
Saba has two setting, Overcooked and Undercooked
World Cup break can’t come soon enough
Never let Saba touch a set piece ever again please.
This is really frustrating to watch. Will we even get one goal???
Magic 8-ball says “no”
Someone remind me why Saba is taking free kicks over Miranchuk…?
Was saying this as it was taken. Wow did that cost us
I get why Galarza is not with the team because economics. But he played with the right attitude and set the tone. His absence is totally showing itself so far today. We look like a rec team out there. Not sure we’ve won a second ball yet.
Well, if economics is the reason we couldn’t keep Galarza, does that mean we’re fooked in the summer transfer window?
Someone needs to remind Jacob that Arfsten is there…..
Fortune Muyumba Sanchez…
Any of those guys are capable of being key contributors on a top squad.
But all 3 together as the core of our team in central midfield feels so unserious.
Worried Arfsten is about to have a really good day.
Mihaj and Berrocal starting together. Just overwhelming speed to support our high line.
We still here
Im only turning this one on because I hope to see everyone is benched in anticipation of being sold off.
We could jump up to the 13th spot with win. Yay.
Looks like Latte is sick and questionable, so that is positive for us.
Looks like 10th is possible. Montreal is there now. We’d be even on points and wins, but a better goal differential.
That would be a welcome surprised.