Atlanta, Georgia, September 14, 2025
News Summary
In a high-scoring encounter, Atlanta United lost to Columbus Crew 5-4, ending their playoff aspirations for the season. Columbus took a commanding lead in the first half with five goals, including a hat trick from Diego Rossi. Despite a spirited comeback from Atlanta in the second half, including goals from Miguel Almirón and Jamal Thiaré, they couldn’t equalize, leaving Columbus to celebrate a significant victory.
Atlanta, Georgia – In a dramatic and high-scoring match, Atlanta United fell to Columbus Crew 5-4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, effectively eliminating their hopes of making the playoffs this season. The match showcased an intense first half, where Atlanta conceded five goals, giving Columbus a commanding lead that proved insurmountable despite a spirited second-half comeback from Atlanta United.
Columbus Crew opened the scoring with a hat trick from Diego Rossi, netting goals in the 14th, 17th, and 39th minutes. Wessam Abou Ali contributed to the Crew’s scoreline with his first goal for the team in the 25th minute, followed by Andrés Herrera, who added another in the 30th minute. Herrera’s goal was confirmed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review ruled out a potential offside.
After a dismal first half, Atlanta United regrouped and started the second half with vigor. The team’s efforts paid off when Miguel Almirón converted a penalty goal during first-half stoppage time, marking his 26th career goal across all competitions, which ties him with Thiago Almada as the second all-time leading scorer for the club. Just after halftime, Pedro Amador scored his first career goal for Atlanta, providing a glimmer of hope in the 46th minute.
Atlanta’s momentum continued as Jamal Thiaré scored twice, with goals in the 50th and 88th minutes, bringing the scoreline to a narrow 5-4. In a thrilling climax, Atlanta United came agonizingly close to equalizing with a shot that narrowly missed the left post in the 97th minute. Despite their aggressive play and a remarkable total of 3.8 expected goals compared to Columbus’s 1.7, the game ended in disappointment for Atlanta.
This defeat has significant implications, as it marks the end of Atlanta United’s playoff aspirations for the current season. Meanwhile, the win is a much-needed boost for Columbus Crew, who secured their first victory in MLS regular-season play since July 19, climbing back into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference standings.
Head coach Wilfried Nancy of Columbus acknowledged the challenges that came with maintaining a lead in such a fiercely contested match but was pleased with the overall result. The game not only highlighted the offensive capabilities of both teams but also the resilience of Atlanta United as they fought back, even in the face of adversity.
Match Summary
- Final Score: Atlanta United 4 – 5 Columbus Crew
- First Half Goals: Columbus Crew (Rossi x3, Abou Ali, Herrera)
- Second Half Goals: Atlanta United (Almirón penalty, Amador, Thiaré x2)
- Expected Goals: Atlanta (3.8) – Columbus (1.7)
Looking Forward
With Atlanta United’s playoff hopes dashed, the team will need to regroup and focus on their remaining matches to end the season positively. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a stronger playoff positioning.
FAQ
The final score was Atlanta United 4, Columbus Crew 5.
Diego Rossi scored a hat trick for Columbus Crew.
Atlanta United needed to win the match to keep their playoff hopes alive but was eliminated following this defeat.
Atlanta United had an expected goals statistic of 3.8, while Columbus Crew had 1.7.
Key Match Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Final Score | Atlanta United 4, Columbus Crew 5 |
| Goals by Columbus Crew | Rossi (3), Abou Ali, Herrera |
| Goals by Atlanta United | Almirón (penalty), Amador, Thiaré (2) |
| Expected Goals Metric | Atlanta United 3.8, Columbus Crew 1.7 |
| Impact on Standings | Atlanta United eliminated from playoff contention; Columbus Crew in top five of Eastern Conference |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta United Faces Columbus Crew in Crucial Match
Murray State Racers vs. Georgia State Panthers College Football Matchup
Atlanta Prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026
Atlanta United Resumes Training as Players Return
Atlanta United Acquires Leo Afonso from Inter Miami
ECNL Boys Event to Take Place in Atlanta
Georgia State Football Prepares for Murray State Matchup
Atlanta Falcons’ Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus Prepped for Success
Atlanta United 2 to Host Belize National Team in Friendly Match
Gabriel Wesseh Named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star
Additional Resources
- Atlanta United Official News
- Columbus Dispatch
- 10TV News
- Wikipedia: Columbus Crew
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta United FC
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
