Preview & Prediction: Columbus Crew vs. Atlanta United

The Columbus Crew and Atlanta United lock horns in a marquee Eastern Conference clash on June 25, 2025, at Lower.com Field, a venue that has become a fortress for the home side. As the 2025 Major League Soccer season approaches its critical midsummer phase, both teams are jostling for playoff positioning, with the Crew aiming to cement their status as title contenders and Atlanta seeking to rediscover their 2018 MLS Cup-winning form. This fixture, steeped in competitive history, has produced thrilling encounters, including a 3–2 Columbus victory in their last meeting in 2024. With star players like Cucho Hernández and Thiago Almada set to shine, and tactical masterminds Wilfried Nancy and Rob Valentino (or a potential new Atlanta coach) on the sidelines, fans can expect a high-octane battle. The Crew’s disciplined, possession-based approach will face a stern test against Atlanta’s high-pressing, counter-attacking style, making this a must-watch for MLS enthusiasts.

Prediction: Columbus Crew 2–1 Atlanta United
Columbus enters as favorites, buoyed by their exceptional home record and cohesive team play under Wilfried Nancy, who has transformed the Crew into one of MLS’s most consistent outfits. Lower.com Field, with its intimate 20,371-capacity and raucous atmosphere, has been a nightmare for visiting teams, and Atlanta’s dismal road form—only three away wins in 2024—suggests they’ll struggle to contain Columbus’s dynamic attack. However, Atlanta’s attacking firepower, spearheaded by Thiago Almada’s playmaking and Saba Lobjanidze’s pace, ensures they won’t go down without a fight. Expect the Crew to dominate possession and create multiple chances, but Atlanta’s counterattacks could yield a goal. A late strike from a Columbus star, possibly Cucho Hernández or Diego Rossi, should seal a hard-fought victory, keeping the Crew in the hunt for a top-four Eastern Conference seed.

Insights:

• Crew’s Home Dominance: Columbus lost just twice at Lower.com Field in 2024, outscoring opponents 28–12 across 17 home games. The stadium’s compact design and passionate fanbase create an intimidating cauldron, often unsettling road teams like Atlanta, who struggle to adapt to the relentless pressure.
• Atlanta’s Road Woes: Atlanta’s away form has been a persistent Achilles’ heel, with only three road victories in 2024 and a goal differential of -14 on their travels. Defensive lapses, particularly in transition, have cost them dearly, and Columbus’s clinical forwards are well-equipped to capitalize.
• Tactical Chess Match: Wilfried Nancy’s possession-oriented 3-4-2-1 formation emphasizes fluid build-up play and midfield control, with wingbacks like Mohamed Farsi stretching the field. Atlanta, under interim or new management, typically deploys a 4-2-3-1, relying on high pressing and quick transitions. The contrasting styles promise a fascinating tactical duel.
• Midfield Battleground: The matchup between Columbus’s Darlington Nagbe and Atlanta’s Thiago Almada is pivotal. Nagbe, a metronome in midfield, averaged 92% passing accuracy in 2024, while Almada’s 10 goals and 12 assists highlight his game-changing ability. Whoever dictates the tempo could swing the result.
• Historical Rivalry: Since Atlanta joined MLS in 2017, Columbus leads the series 9–6–3, with their 2024 thriller (3–2 Crew win) underscoring the fixture’s intensity. Cucho Hernández’s late heroics in that game linger in both teams’ minds, adding psychological stakes.
• Playoff Implications: With the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs looming, this match could determine whether either team secures a top-four spot, granting a first-round bye and home-field advantage. Columbus’s consistency gives them an edge, but Atlanta’s desperation for points could fuel an upset bid.
• Fan Expectations: Columbus fans, buoyed by their team’s 2023 MLS Cup triumph, demand another deep playoff run. Atlanta’s supporters, frustrated by recent inconsistency, crave a statement win to reignite their season. The contrasting moods heighten the atmosphere.
• Injury Watch: Columbus is largely healthy, with Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi in top form. Atlanta’s Brooks Lennon is questionable with a minor knock, potentially weakening their right flank, which could expose them to Columbus’s left-sided attacks.

Match Forecasts:

• Cucho’s Clinical Edge: Cucho Hernández, with 15 goals and 8 assists in 2024, is Columbus’s talisman. His movement off the ball and lethal finishing make him a prime candidate to score, especially against Atlanta’s porous away defense, which conceded 1.8 goals per game on the road last season.
• Atlanta’s Counter Threat: Saba Lobjanidze’s blistering pace (top speed of 22 mph in 2024 sprints) and direct dribbling could exploit gaps left by Columbus’s advancing wingbacks. A well-timed counter could see him or Almada carve out a goal.
• Midfield Mastery: Aidan Morris, Columbus’s young midfield star, is poised to outshine Atlanta’s double pivot. His 88% passing accuracy and 2.1 tackles per game in 2024 suggest he’ll control the game’s rhythm, limiting Atlanta’s service to their forwards.
• Set-Piece Opportunities: Both teams rank among MLS’s best at set pieces, with Columbus converting 12% of corners into shots on target and Atlanta’s Brooks Lennon delivering pinpoint crosses. A goal from a free kick or corner is likely, given their proficiency.
• Substitutes’ Impact: Columbus’s bench, including Max Arfsten and Christian Ramírez, offers game-changing potential. Atlanta’s depth, with players like Daniel Ríos, could also shift momentum, but the Crew’s substitutes have been more decisive in tight games.
• Defensive Resilience: Columbus’s back three, led by Steven Moreira, allowed just 0.9 goals per home game in 2024. Atlanta’s center-backs, including Derrick Williams, must stay disciplined to avoid being overrun by Columbus’s fluid attacking triangles.
• Late Drama Likely: Four of the last five Crew-United clashes featured goals after the 80th minute, suggesting this game could hinge on a moment of brilliance or a defensive error in the closing stages.

Match Facts:

• Head-to-Head Record: Columbus holds a 9–6–3 advantage over Atlanta in 18 meetings since 2017, with 32 goals scored between them in those games (1.8 goals per game average).
• Venue Details: Lower.com Field, opened in July 2021, seats 20,371 and is expected to sell out, with fans creating a vibrant atmosphere for this primetime fixture.
• Officiating Crew: The referee is yet to be named, but MLS’s 2025 season features enhanced VAR transparency, with in-stadium announcements for reviewed decisions, reducing controversy.
• Broadcast Coverage: The match streams exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with English and Spanish commentary options. Local radio includes 97.1 The Fan (Columbus) and 92.9 The Game (Atlanta).
• Weather Conditions: Columbus’s forecast for June 25, 2025, predicts 70–75°F with partly cloudy skies and a 10% chance of rain, offering near-ideal conditions for a fast, technical match.
• Team Milestones: A Columbus win would mark their 10th home victory of 2025, a feat achieved only twice in club history. Atlanta seeks their first road win against Columbus since 2021.
• Player Milestones: Cucho Hernández is two goals shy of 30 career MLS goals for Columbus, while Thiago Almada could reach 25 goal contributions in 2025 with a goal or assist.