Atlanta United have been officially eliminated from the MLS is Back tournament after their third consecutive 1-0 defeat in the group stage, this time to the Columbus Crew. The Five Stripes head home without a goal or a point or much of an idea how to create chances without their best player.
The Crew controlled the majority of the first half, effortlessly passing around Atlanta’s disjointed and confused shape. After failing to convert an early clear cut chance created through another defensive error that created a huge gap, they found the game’s opener.
Youness Mokhtar gave Columbus the lead in the 18th minute when a centering pass from the right flank found him in space near the penalty spot.