The Columbus Crew can clinch an Eastern Conference Semifinal berth in Tuesday's visit to Atlanta United, who are looking to keep alive their Audi MLS Cup Playoffs dream in Game 2 of their Round One Best-of-3 series.
How to watch and stream
When
- Tuesday, November 7Â | 7 pm ET/4 pm PT
Where
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, Georgia
Round One Best-of-3 series
- Game 1: 2-0 Columbus win (Nov. 1)
Columbus enjoyed a comprehensive Game 1, as Wilfried Nancy's side cruised to a 2-0 victory at Lower.com Field via Cucho Hernández's brace. The Five Stripes struggled to keep pace in the absence of suspended (red card) star playmaker Thiago Almada, who is slated to return for Game 2.
If a Round One Best-of-3 series match is tied after regulation time (90 minutes), a penalty kick shootout will determine the winner (no extra time). Both clubs are chasing a berth in MLS Cup presented by Audi on Dec. 9.
- Seed: 6th in the Eastern Conference
- Record: 51 points (13W-9L-12D)
Almada's importance to Atlanta United's attack was heavily underscored in Game 1, as the visitors never consistently threatened the hosts sans the dynamic Argentine's creativity (league-leading 19 assists in 2023). They registered just one shot (off target), and Giorgos Giakoumakis – the 2023 MLS Newcomer of the Year – was held under wraps.
With Almada's pending return, the Five Stripes will hope that's enough to force Game 3 back at Lower.com Field on Nov. 12 (7 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). If not, it'll be an early offseason for Gonzalo Pineda's team.
- Seed: 3rd in the Eastern Conference
- Record: 57 points (16W-9L-9D)
Cucho continues to be among the most dangerous attackers in MLS, carrying over a 16g/11a regular season into his postseason debut. The Colombian striker's opener was a vicious shot before he completed the brace with a second-half penalty kick.
It was an encouraging start for Columbus' MLS Cup dreams after a successful first regular season under head coach Wilfried Nancy, which included a league-leading 67 goals. So far, they've ably weathered Lucas Zelarayán's midseason departure to the Saudi Pro League.
