Series Preview: Atlanta United takes on Columbus Crew in Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series

In terms of MLS regular season play, Atlanta has faced Columbus Crew 15 times and has a record of 5-7-3. Unfortunately, Atlanta has not been able to secure a win against Columbus in their last three matchups. The first meeting between the two teams in the 2023 regular season resulted in a 6-1 victory for Columbus Crew. However, it should be noted that Atlanta United was missing seven key players, including Thiago Almada, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Miles Robinson, and Luis Abram, due to international duty. In their second encounter, which took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United had a stronger team with the addition of new players from the summer transfer window. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, serving as Atlanta’s penultimate regular season game.

The higher-ranked team in the Best-of-3 series enjoys the advantage of playing two out of the three matches at their home ground. Therefore, two of the games in this series will be held in Ohio. This gives Columbus Crew an edge since they have been extremely dominant when playing at home. The team has not lost any of their last 15 home matches in all competitions and has only suffered one defeat in their previous 27 home matches since August 2022. Columbus Crew has also performed exceptionally well in playoff matches at home, winning six out of their last seven.

Unfortunately for Atlanta United, Thiago Almada will not be available for Game 1 of the Best-of-3 series against Columbus Crew. He was given a red card during the 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati on Decision Day, resulting in his suspension for Wednesday’s match. Almada has been a key player for Atlanta, leading MLS with 19 assists this season and contributing to a total of 30 goals, second only to Luciano Acosta of FC Cincinnati in the 2023 season.

“The absence of Thiago impacts our game plan in terms of pressing, occupying spaces, and creating openings within the opposition’s formations,” commented head coach Gonzalo Pineda during a media availability session on Monday. He further added, “Thiago is allowed certain freedom in specific areas to move around, both centrally and wide, and from there he excels at advancing the ball. Consequently, whoever fills his role or takes his position must be precise in creating the necessary patterns and structures. While the playing style remains the same, the methods and strategies for executing those patterns will need slight adjustments.”