Two teams that were stuck at 1-1 draws in their return to MLS duties will now clash against one another, when Columbus Crew will play host to Atlanta United. Both teams have been in pretty solid shape lately, and this match is really crucial at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Columbus Crew (7-3-6) are coming into this match after a really hard-fought 1-1 draw at home against the Red Bulls. They were really strong in the first half, and eventually took the lead at the 26th minute with Zardes. However, they were really pressured in the second half, as the Red Bulls pulled even at the 57th and kept pushing. The two teams eventually split the points in a 1-1 draw, as Columbus are now undefeated in their last ten (4-0-6). They are now sitting at the 3rd spot of the Eastern Conference with 27 points, three behind Atlanta.
Atlanta United (9-3-3) are also coming off a 1-1 draw, this time against NYCFC on the road. They were not very good in that match, but took the lead at the start of the second half, against the flow of the game. NYCFC were destroying them in the offense, and eventually pulled even at the 77th minute for the final 1-1. Atlanta United have not been in top form lately, but they still remain at the top of the Eastern Conference with 30 points. They also have the best away record in the Conference (4-1-2), but have kept just two clean sheets.
