Columbus Crew SC travels south for a Thursday night (7 p.m. ET) Knockout Round match against No. 4 seed, Atlanta United FC, after extending the regular-season unbeaten run to 10 games and winning three of their last four. Atlanta United, on the other hand, hobbles into the playoffs after having not won any of their last four matches, two of which were at home.
Ahead of Thursday’s kickoff, here are some storylines to keep an eye on:
Atlanta’s Ailment
The Five Stripes have proven to be dangerous group that knows when to turn on the pressure. With their usual 4-3-3 formation, they are known to send all four attackers forward at full speed. However, this has also proven to be a weak spot for them. With numbers up, the expansion-side also leaves plenty of room for a prepared opponent to cut easily down the middle.
The Stars of the Stripes
Each of Atlanta’s top scorers — all finishing in the top 11 of MLSsoccer.com’s 24 Under 24 series — have all been key reasons why the expansion side has made it this far this season. Each player brings their own individual qualities to the pitch while also working together smoothly.
Despite missing some long stretches due to injury, Josef Martinez has netted 19 goals this season for United. He's proven to be an explosive attacker with an 82 percent passing accuracy and is known for his world-class forward play.
The Argentinean Designated Player, Hector Villalba, is a dramatic winger known for his top speed and precision. He has netted 13 goals and notched 11 assists for Atlanta this season. He also holds a 72 percent passing accuracy.
Leader of the 24 Under 24 series, Miguel Almiron has netted 9 goals and provided 14 assists. The 23-year-old Designated Player also has an 80 percent passing accuracy and is known for his lethal playmaking and speed.
Play or Go Home
Despite falling to the expansion side twice in regular-season action, Columbus is the hottest team in MLS right now having outscored their opponents 19-10 and going unbeaten in 10 straight games. The Black & Gold know what is at stake in Thursday’s play-or-go-home Knockout Round match.
Former Crew SC member Michael Parkhurst captains the United defense. United States Men’s National Team-member Brad Guzan mans the goal in Atlanta and owns 34 saves on the year.
Guzan and Parkhurst will attempt to slow down Crew SC’s attacking trio of forward Ola Kamara (18 goals), midfielder Justin Meram (13 goals, 7 assists) and midfielder Federico Higuain (9 goals and 14 assists).
The match will mark expansion-side Atlanta’s first trip to the postseason. The trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be the first for Crew SC, after battling Atlanta at Bobby Dodd Stadium earlier in the year while the Five Stripes’ new stadium was being completed.
