Columbus Crew (12-3-7) travel to face off against Atlanta United (6-11-7) on Saturday, July 20th. This match will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Both Columbus Crew and Atlanta United ended their previous matches with a draw. The match is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United
Columbus Crew Is Coming Off A Draw
The Columbus Crew will be looking to get back on the winning track after picking up a draw vs. Charlotte FC. Going into that match, they were the heavy favorite at -186, but they needed a goal from Cucho Hernandez to avoid the upset. The two combined goals were one less than the over/under goal line of 3.5 units.
Hernandez was the most active offensive player for the Crew, taking seven of the club’s 21 shots and two of their eight shots on goal. No other player took more than three shots for the club. The offense also finished with nine corner kicks.
On the defensive end, the Crew allowed just one goal on Charlotte FC’s six total shots on goal. Nicholas Hagen finished with four saves, and the club, as a whole, blocked eight shots. Despite the four saves, Hagen didn’t finish with a win.
In the Eastern Conference, the Columbus Crew are currently in 3rd place, just one point behind Los Angeles FC. Over their last four matches, they have gone 3-0-1, with their only non-win coming in a draw vs. Charlotte FC. Overall, they have a record of 12-3-7, and they have been favored in 18 of their 22 matches. On the road, they have been solid, going 6-2-3. After this match vs. Atlanta United, they will head out on the road again to take on the Philadelphia Union on August 24th.
Atlanta United Is Coming Off A Draw
In their last match, Atlanta United hosted New York City FC in a high-scoring affair that ended in a 2-2 draw. Atlanta was at home for the match, but they were unable to pull out the win despite a money line of +118 and the over/under line being set at 2.5 goals.
Atlanta’s offensive attack took a total of 15 shots and nine shots on goal, with two of their seven corner kicks coming on their scoring attempts. Daniel Rios and Saba Lobzhanidze each found the net one time, with Lobzhanidze also picking up an assist.
On the defensive end, Atlanta allowed a total of 11 shots and five shots on goal, with Brad Guzan making three saves. Guzan would need just one more save though, as Atlanta’s offense took one more shot on goal than the three goals he allowed.
Through 24 matches, Atlanta United has a record of 6-11-7, which has them sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. They have struggled on the road, going just 2-6-4, but have been a bit better at home, going 4-5-3. Over their last four matches, they are winless, going 0-3-1. Following this match, they will hit the road to take on the Los Angeles Galaxy on August 25th. In the standings, they are tied with the Chicago Fire with 25 points, but sit in 12th place due to goal differential.
Columbus Crew Offense Breakdown
The Columbus Crew’s offense has been one of the most potent in the MLS this season, as they are averaging 2.1 goals per match, which is the second-best mark in the league. They have taken more shots on goal than their season average in three straight matches, and they are seventh in the league in that category. Cucho Hernández has been their top scorer this season, as he is fourth in the MLS with 13 goals, and he has also taken the most shots on goal for the Crew.
Atlanta United Offense Breakdown
Atlanta United’s offense has been average this season, scoring 1.3 goals per match, which is 20th in the league. Their leading scorer is Saba Lobzhanidze, who has found the back of the net six times this season, which is 43rd in the league. Lobzhanidze also leads the team in shots on goal, with 20, which is 30th in MLS. Daniel Ríos is the team’s leader in assists, with three, and he is also the team’s leading goal scorer, with six goals.
Columbus Crew Defense Breakdown
Heading into their matchup with Atlanta United, the Columbus Crew defense is currently the best in the MLS, allowing just 0.9 goals per match. Over their last four matches, they have given up just two goals (0.5 per match). They will be facing an Atlanta United offense that is currently ranked 20th in the league. Keeper Patrick Schulte is 3rd in the MLS with seven clean sheets this season.
Atlanta United Defense Breakdown
Heading into their match against the Columbus Crew, Atlanta United’s defense is 12th in MLS, allowing 1.5 goals per match. Over their last four matches, they have given up 10 goals (2.5 per match). They are 10th in blocked shots and 21st in interceptions. They are also the most disciplined team in the league, committing just 9.1 fouls per match. Brad Guzan is 9th in MLS with 71 saves and has four clean sheets this season.
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Prediction
Given the way we see this one playing out between Columbus and Atlanta United, we are going with the draw at +275. This season, Columbus has been one of the top offensive teams in the MLS, coming in 2nd in goals scored and 7th in shots on goal. On the other side, Atlanta has been solid on defense, allowing the 12th fewest goals. Our projections have this one ending in a 2-2 draw.
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Last updated:July 19, 2024 Atlanta United FC, Columbus Crew