High-Stakes Showdown at Lower.com Field
The Columbus Crew welcome Atlanta United to Lower.com Field for Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire, with both Eastern Conference sides desperate for points heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup pause. The match carries significant implications for the playoff race, as both teams find themselves outside the postseason positions.
Crew Looking for Fresh Start
Columbus enter the match following a turbulent period that saw them part ways with first-year head coach Henrik Rydstrom after a four-game winless skid. Assistant coach and former CF Montreal manager Laurent Courtois has taken the reins on an interim basis, and the early signs have been positive. The Crew reached the US Open Cup semifinals with a 1-0 victory over New York City FC under his guidance midweek.
Courtois influence is expected to see Columbus revert to the expansive, possession-based style they thrived on under former head coach Wilfried Nancy. Key to that approach will be Designated Player Diego Rossi, who co-leads the team with five goals this season following the season-ending knee injury suffered by star striker Wessam Abou Ali.
Players to Watch
Several players will be under the spotlight in this fixture. USMNT wingback Max Arfsten tops the Crew goal contribution charts with four goals and four assists and hopes to join Cape Verde international defender Steven Moreira at the World Cup this summer. French midfielder Hugo Picard has been in electric form, notching four goals and one assist in his last six games across all competitions.
Portuguese international Andre Gomes, boasting extensive experience across top European leagues, has started eight games since arriving in February and provides midfield stability. Meanwhile, 2024 MLS Defender of the Year Steven Moreira is heading to his first World Cup with Cape Verde this summer.
Atlanta Seeking Revival
Atlanta United arrive in Columbus still searching for the magic of Tata Martino second stint as head coach. The Five Stripes are six points off the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pace and fell midweek in the US Open Cup quarterfinals against Orlando City. Through 16 matches across all competitions, the 2018 MLS Cup-winning formula has yet to be fully rekindled.
Star midfielder Miguel Almiron is recovering from a knee injury ahead of what is expected to be a World Cup campaign with Paraguay. His presence in the final third is crucial for Atlanta attacking output. The summer transfer window, opening July 13, may offer Atlanta the reset they desperately need to salvage their 2026 campaign.
What Is at Stake
With Columbus sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference on 13 points and Atlanta just below them in 14th on 11 points, this match represents a genuine six-pointer. A win for either side would provide crucial momentum heading into the World Cup break and keep their playoff hopes alive.
For the Crew, a victory under interim manager Courtois would strengthen his case for the permanent role. For Atlanta, three points would narrow the gap to the playoff places and provide hope that a second-half resurgence is possible.
