This is a battle for first place in the Eastern Conference. Columbus Crew SC is at 27 points with a 7-3-6 record over Atlanta United, who has been at the top of the league table with an exceptional 9-3-3 record, good for 30 points.
Crew SC in undefeated through nine games, grinding out results as depth was tested and in two cases playing short handed on the road. Zack Steffen and Wil Trapp missed time due to National Team duty. Pedro Santos and Jonathan Mensah suffered injuries that kept them out of the lineup.