Columbus, OH
Major League Soccer action returns to Lower.com Field tonight as the Columbus Crew, fresh off a 10-day break, face off against Atlanta United. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 25, under a prevailing heat advisory in Columbus, prompting special precautions for both teams and fans.
Navigating the Heat and Standings
The Crew, currently sitting in 6th place in the Eastern Conference with 31 points from 18 matches (8 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses), are looking to build on their recent 2-1 home victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Defender Yevhen Cheberko highlighted the team’s preparation for the high temperatures, stating, “I just try to sleep more, drink more water. Also, our staff, medical staff, try to have us do the hot tub, as a kind of preparation.” He acknowledged that these conditions are the same for every team, emphasizing the need to adapt. The club has also announced a relaxed water bottle policy for fans, allowing one empty, clear water bottle (no larger than 16 ounces) to be brought into the stadium for refills at water fountains, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch.
Atlanta United, meanwhile, finds itself near the bottom of the overall MLS standings, currently 25th with 17 points from 18 games (4 wins, 5 draws, 9 losses). They are coming off a tough 4-0 road loss against NYCFC on June 12. Atlanta will be eager to find their rhythm quickly after a nearly two-week hiatus, which included the June international break and the league’s Club World Cup break. Their last victory at Lower.com Field against the Crew dates back to 2021, though they did secure a 2-1 home win against Columbus in July 2024, according to SportsGambler.com.
Tactical Battle and Key Players
Under coach Wilfried Nancy, the Columbus Crew are known for their possession-based play, leading the league with 59.8% possession. They also lead MLS in touches in the opponent’s penalty box (470) and have scored 29 goals this season. Atlanta United’s strategy will focus on disrupting Columbus’s control in the midfield, where players like Darlington Nagbe are pivotal. Atlanta’s attack will need to be more clinical, having created opportunities in their last match but failing to convert. Defensively, Atlanta must maintain a compact shape, force Columbus wide, and avoid the “big defensive mistake” that has plagued them on the road, as highlighted by Atlanta United’s official news. The opening 15 minutes of each half will be crucial for Atlanta to establish a solid defensive foundation.
Confirmed Lineups and Team News
The officiating crew for tonight’s match includes Referee Victor Rivas, Assistant Referees Chris Elliot and Nick Balcer, Fourth Official Muhammad Hassan, with David Barrie as VAR and Mike Kampmeinert as Assistant VAR.
Columbus Crew Starting XI (4-3-3): Evan Bush (GK), Marcelo Herrera, Steven Moreira, Evgen Cheberko, Lassi Lappalainen, Sean Zawadzki, Darlington Nagbe, Dylan Chambost, Diego Rossi, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Daniel Gazdag.
Atlanta United Starting XI (3-2-4-1): Brad Guzan (GK), Matthew Edwards, Luis Abram, Efrain Morales, Brooks Lennon, Pedro Amador, Aleksey Miranchuk, Mateusz Klich, Bartosz Slisz, Miguel Almiron, Emmanuel Latte Lath.
For Columbus, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte (abdomen) and defender Rudy Camacho (thigh) are sidelined. Atlanta United will be without Tristan Muyumba (knee), Stian Gregersen (thigh), and Josh Cohen (muscle), though Edwin Mosquera is set to return, and Nyk Sessock has signed a short-term agreement.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch all the action live on Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass subscription. The English broadcast will feature Steve Cangialosi (play-by-play) and Danny Higginbotham (analyst), while Bruno Vain (play-by-play) and Andres Agulla (analyst) will provide the Spanish commentary. For radio listeners, the English broadcast is available on Alt 105.7 FM and the iHeartRadio app with Chris Doran on the call, and on Sports Radio 92.9 The Game in Atlanta. The Spanish broadcast can be found on La Grande 103.1 FM and the La Grande radio app with Juan Valladares, and on La Mejor – AM 1600 in Atlanta.
