Atlanta United has been officially eliminated from the MLS is Back tournament after its third consecutive 1-0 loss in the group stage, this time against the Columbus Crew. The Five Stripes return home without a goal or a point or a great idea of how to create opportunities without their best player.
The Crew controlled most of the first half, effortlessly going through Atlanta’s disjointed and confused form. After failing to convert an early clear cut opportunity created through another defensive error that created a huge gap, they found the game’s first match.
Youness Mokhtar gave Columbus the lead in the 18th minute when a cross pass from the left flank found him in space near the penalty spot. His shot to the side veered off Miles Robinson, passed Brad Guzan, hit the post and rebounded.
The crew continued to control the game after the goal with Atlanta only accumulating a few free throw opportunities.
A change in Frank de Boer’s halftime tactics gave the Five Stripes a spark. They finally managed to present a danger to Colón’s goal, but still it was not enough to score a goal.
Crew keeper Andrew Tarbell made a couple of good saves late in the game to make sure Atlanta was the only team participating in the tournament that didn’t score a single goal.
What’s next for Atlanta United? Lots of soul searching and uncertainty about when they will actually play another game. Stay tuned.
