MLS Multiplex
Fansided

A Spectacular Turnaround in Soccer: Atlanta United Levels Playoff Series

By Arthur Fernandes

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 21: Ronald Hernández celebrates with Matheus Rossetto #20, Luis Abram and Jamal Thiaré #29 of Atlanta United at the conclusion of a MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 21: Ronald Hernández celebrates with Matheus Rossetto #20, Luis Abram and Jamal Thiaré #29 of Atlanta United at the conclusion of a MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Atlanta United delivered a true spectacle to soccer fans on Tuesday night, securing a thrilling victory over the Columbus Crew in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. Atlanta United, facing a do-or-die situation, responded with a massive performance, winning 4-2 and leveling the playoff series.

The 5-Stripes knew they needed a win to stay in the competition, and they did not disappoint. With goals scored by Giorgos Giakoumakis, Xande Silva, Edwin Mosquera, and Thiago Almada, Atlanta United achieved a remarkable feat by netting four goals in a single game – a club record.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Game 2 was filled with electrifying moments, as both teams battled for victory. Giakoumakis, who was named the MLS Rookie of the Year in 2023, opened the scoring at the 38th minute, sparking a flurry of emotions. However, the Columbus Crew did not let themselves be discouraged and equalized the game before half-time.

Atlanta United regained the lead before the end of the first half with a brilliant assist from Brooks Lennon to Saba Lobjanidze, who quickly passed the ball to Xande Silva, scoring the team’s second goal. Giakoumakis, with his assist in the play, became the third player in the club’s history to record a goal and an assist in a MLS Cup playoff game.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 21: Giorgos Giakoumakis #7 of Atlanta United reacts during the first half of a MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 21: Giorgos Giakoumakis #7 of Atlanta United reacts during the first half of a MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) /

Atlanta United’s coach, Gonzalo Pineda, emphasized the tactical discipline and aggression of his team, highlighting the importance of playing cohesively against a talented opponent like the Columbus Crew.

But the spectacle did not end there. Atlanta United extended their lead with goals from Edwin Mosquera and Thiago Almada in the second half, before Columbus scored a goal in injury time. Giakoumakis, with his assist, made history as the first Atlanta United player to contribute to three goals in a single game.

The atmosphere at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was electrifying, with Atlanta United’s fans providing crucial support for the team. Now, the playoff series is tied, and everything will be decided in Game 3, taking place in Columbus on November 12.

The next game promises to be an exciting showdown, with Atlanta United having their young talent, Thiago Almada, available. Soccer fans can expect more thrilling moments and a fierce battle between these two talented teams. Regardless of the final result, soccer has gifted us with a memorable game and the promise of more intense action ahead.

Home/Atlanta United