Atlanta United Season Ends with Playoff Loss to Columbus

Atlanta United aimed for a second championship in their history as an Atlanta soccer team, but they fell short Sunday.

They lost the third, decisive game to the Columbus Crew, 4-2. Columbus will move on to face Orlando City for the chance to play for the MLS Cup, and the Five Stripes playoff quest and season both end.

“The last three games here we faced a very, very, good team,” said Atlanta United head coach Gonzalo Pineda after the game. “Columbus is a very good team and they were better than us in two of the three matches and we need to regroup, and improve for next year.”

Giorgos Giakoumakis (35′)  and Xande Silva (50′) made Atlanta’s two goals and were 4 of 11 on their shots. Darlington Nagbe (9′), Malte Amundsen (17′), Alexandru Matan (33′) and Diego Rossi (47′) made the Crew’s four goals. They were 8 of 21 shots. Atlanta United held the ball 53% of the game.

Atlanta United’s next season game opening date has not yet been announced.