The Columbus Crew, revitalized by a recent coaching transition and a pivotal Cup victory, is gearing up to face Atlanta United this Sunday. This critical match marks their final opportunity to secure a positive outcome before the upcoming two-month World Cup interlude. The team's recent performance has been a mixed bag, experiencing a downturn in MLS play but finding renewed vigor under their interim head coach, Laurent Courtois. Across the field, Atlanta United is looking to leverage the potential return of a key player to strengthen their offensive strategy, aiming to navigate the demanding fixture list with a refreshed approach.
Columbus Crew Seeks Momentum Against Atlanta United as World Cup Break Approaches
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Columbus Crew, having recently installed interim head coach Laurent Courtois, is determined to enter the forthcoming World Cup break on a high note as they prepare to host Atlanta United. The Crew (3-7-4, 13 points) made a significant change last Sunday, replacing first-year coach Henrik Rydstrom with Courtois, who previously served as an assistant under former Crew coach Wilfried Nancy and had a brief stint as head coach for CF Montreal. Despite a challenging run in MLS, with a 0-3-1 record in their last four matches, placing them 13th in the Eastern Conference, Courtois' debut saw the Crew triumph over New York City FC with a 1-0 victory in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Max Arfsten, the midfielder who netted the decisive goal against NYCFC, highlighted the smooth transition under Courtois, citing his familiarity and understanding of the players' perspectives. Arfsten, leading the Crew in goal contributions with four goals and four assists, is also anticipated to be named to the U.S. World Cup roster on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Atlanta United (3-8-2, 11 points) is recovering from a 4-1 defeat to Orlando City in an Open Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday, following a 1-1 draw with the same opponent. However, the team expects a significant boost with the potential return of Miguel Almiron, who trained on Friday, signaling his readiness to play after a knee injury sustained on April 15, before joining the Paraguayan World Cup squad. In Almiron's absence, Atlanta has relied on players like Alexey Miranchuk, the team's top scorer with five goals, and 18-year-old Cooper Sanchez, who leads the club with four assists. Goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert praised the young players' contributions, particularly Sanchez, whom he regards as one of the most underrated homegrown talents in the league.
This upcoming match for both the Columbus Crew and Atlanta United offers more than just three points; it represents a crucial psychological marker before the lengthy World Cup interruption. For the Crew, it's an opportunity to validate their recent coaching change and demonstrate that their Open Cup success is a sign of renewed potential, carrying that momentum into the break. For Atlanta, it's a chance to regain their footing, especially with the expected return of a key player, and project strength heading into a period of global football focus. Both teams will undoubtedly be pushing for a decisive victory to boost morale and set a positive tone for the latter half of the season, making this Sunday's encounter a compelling watch for fans and analysts alike.
