Columbus Crew Audio Feature: Head coach Caleb Porter answers critics that team is playing well, just needs goals and wins to show progress; Atlanta United FC up next

Caleb Porter Crew coach Part 1 5 25 2022 On LAFC game, lack of scoring, fan reactions.mp3

COLUMBUS CREW-ATLANTA UNITED FC

Three Things to Know  

.500 - Since the club’s arrival into MLS, Atlanta United FC has been one of the premier Eastern Conference sides, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been one of the toughest environments. That’s thanks to the Five Stripes having the league’s highest average attendance, of course. The team is unbeaten at home so far this season, but it’s only won 50% of its league matches. The side has one win in its previous four MLS home matches, with the last arriving May 7 against Chicago Fire FC – the bottom team in the Eastern Conference standings. Atlanta has one win in its last seven games.  

100% – Black & Gold supporters will see the Crew in one-time kits on Saturday night. Columbus players will wear white adidas Parley jerseys, which are made from 100% recyclable polyester materials. Every team in MLS will don a recycled shirt, with half the league wearing white, while the other teams wear blue. Crew supporters can purchase the limited edition shirt here.  

4 – Could Saturday be when Lucas Zelarayan is able to regain the form he had at the start of the season? Through the first three games of 2022, the Armenian international had four goals and three assists. Since then, he has one assist, which came in the club’s last draw: a 2-2 tie at the New England Revolution on May 7. If he plays against Atlanta, this will be Zelarayan’s 60th regular-season appearance for Columbus. During that spell, he has 22 goals and 14 assists.

COURTESY COLUMBUS CREW COMMUNICATIONS