Friday, Jul 23, 2021

The Crew hasn’t witnessed defeat in five straight matches, and the Black & Gold will look to push that streak to six as they travel to face a struggling Atlanta United squad on Saturday afternoon on ABC & 97.1 FM The Fan (3:30 p.m. ET).

Atlanta comes in winless in their last nine matches (0-3-6) following a 1-1 draw at FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, the longest winless run in the team’s MLS history.

Speaking of history, though Atlanta had the best of Columbus early on in the rivalry, it’s been the defending MLS Cup champs who have had the upper hand recently, winning each of the last four meetings. The Crew has outscored Atlanta, 8-2, in the last four meetings after the Five Stripes had outscored Columbus, 10-2, in the first four meetings in the regular season.

As players such as Derrick Etienne Jr., Kevin Molino, and others continue to return to the fold following international duty, rest, or injury, the Crew will look to secure three points for the second time in the last six matches. Columbus has drawn four of its last five matches (W1) after playing four draws in its previous 25 matches (including playoffs) dating back to last September.

In terms of goal scoring, Ronald Hernández scored Atlanta United’s lone goal against Cincinnati on Wednesday, the first goal from open play scored by the Five Stripes since May 29.

For the Black & Gold, Columbus has scored just four goals in seven away matches this season, with Lucas Zelarayán being involved in all four of them (3 goals, 1 assist).

Kickoff on Saturday is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC and 97.1 FM The Fan.

COURTESY COLUMBUS CREW COMMUNICATIONS