The visiting Columbus Crew came to Atlanta, likely thinking they were one win away from advancing up the playoffs by doing away with Atlanta United.
But the South had something to say. And Atlanta United spoke loudly Tuesday night, defeating the Crew 4-2, forcing a decisive game three this Sunday in Columbus that determines who will advance further in the MLS playoffs.
For all the ATLiens 👽#MLSCupPlayoffs x #WeAreTheA pic.twitter.com/fzTQe2qeGG
— x – Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 8, 2023
Atlanta’s four goals came from Giorgos Giakoumakis (in the ’38th minute. He also scored two assists.), Xande Silva (’45th), Edwin Mosquera (’83rd), and Thiago Almada (’88th). Almada returned from a one-game suspension.
For the Crew, Cucho Hernandez (’45th) and Maximilian Arfsten (95th minute) scored their two goals.
Atlanta held the ball the longest, 52% percent of the game. Atlanta made 14 shots and 7 of those were on target. Columbus made 11 shots with 4 of those on target.
After this game, the Five Stripes will head to Columbus, Ohio for the decisive game of the playoff series that determines who advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinal. The advancing team plays the winner of the Nashville SC and Orlando City SC matchup.
