Atlanta United FC will face Columbus on Sunday, May 24 in a Major League Soccer match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, as both teams look to finish the first half of the season on a strong note ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup break.
This match holds importance for Atlanta, which is seeking to recover from a recent 4-1 loss to Orlando City SC in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. Head coach Tata Martino said after that game, “My responsibility. Absolutely me. It’s not the responsibility of the players.” Atlanta currently sits three points out of 10th place in the Eastern Conference and hopes that a win against Columbus could improve its standing moving forward.
Midfielder Alexey Miranchuk discussed what is at stake for Atlanta this weekend: “It’s not going to be an easy game obviously. It’s an away game against another good team. We need to understand everything, and we will do everything to finish this part of the season on a good end.”
Recent performances by Homegrown midfielders Jay Fortune and Cooper Sanchez have provided building blocks for Atlanta’s future. In last weekend’s MLS match against Orlando City, Fortune scored late to secure a draw and led his team with several key passes into attacking areas after returning from injury earlier this year.
Atlanta may also benefit from weaknesses in Columbus’ defense during second halves; Columbus has allowed most of its goals after halftime this season while Atlanta has scored more than half its goals during that period as well.
Player availability remains mixed: Miguel Almirón is aiming for one more appearance before the break; Fafa Picault is out with a hamstring injury; Steven Alzate (adductor) and Emmanuel Latte Lath (illness) are listed as questionable; Matías Galarza is unavailable due to personal reasons.
Atlanta United FC operates from Atlanta, Georgia and competes as a Major League Soccer team in the Eastern Conference. The club achieved notable success by winning the MLS Cup in 2018 along with other trophies in subsequent years, according to the official website.
