COLUMBUS, OH — June 25, 2025 — After nearly two weeks of rest, Atlanta United returns to action Wednesday night with a road match against Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field (7:30 p.m. ET | MLS Season Pass, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor). This marks the third of five consecutive away fixtures for the 5-Stripes.
Manager Ronny Deila has once again been forced to rotate his Starting XI due to an ongoing injury crisis, particularly on the defensive line. The squad will feature Efraín Morales, making his 2025 MLS Regular Season debut, alongside fellow Homegrown Matt Edwards and Luis Abram, both of whom recently returned from international duty.
Deila Urges Unity as Season Heats Up
Speaking to media after Monday’s training, Deila emphasized the importance of collective focus as the club enters a crucial phase of the season.
“It’s a big, big ship, and you need everybody on board. We have to go in the same direction,” said Deila.
Match & Team Notes
- Efraín Morales will make his first team appearance since June 22, 2024, and his fourth career MLS start.
- Matt Edwards starts for the sixth consecutive match at center back despite originally being a right back.
- Edwin Mosquera returns to the bench after missing the NYCFC match, having scored once in 10 appearances this season.
- Key starters Brad Guzan, Aleksey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón, and Emmanuel Latte Lath return to the lineup, contributing to Atlanta’s leadership and attacking core.
- Atlanta’s aerial ability could prove crucial, as they rank fifth in Aerial Duels Won (53.4%) compared to Columbus’s league-worst rate (42.2%).
Starting XI vs. Columbus Crew:
GK: Brad Guzan (C)
DEF: Brooks Lennon, Matt Edwards, Efraín Morales, Luis Abram, Pedro Amador
MID: Mateusz Klich, Bartosz Slisz, Aleksey Miranchuk
FWD: Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath
Reserves: Jayden Hibbert, Noah Cobb, Ronald Hernández, Nyk Sessock, Will Reilly, Luke Brennan, Saba Lobjanidze, Edwin Mosquera, Jamal Thiaré
Notable Roster Updates:
- Nyk Sessock is eligible for selection after signing a third Short-Term Agreement, following his senior debut on June 12.
- Six players are unavailable due to injuries: Josh Cohen (arm), Ajani Fortune (foot), Stian Gregersen (quadriceps), Tristan Muyumba (knee), Cayman Togashi (knee), and Derrick Williams (foot).
Recent Form & Outlook
Columbus has just one win in its last seven league games, while Atlanta has suffered back-to-back shutouts. However, Atlanta won the last meeting between the clubs on July 20, 2024, with a 2-1 victory at home.
Following this match, Atlanta’s road trip continues before they return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, July 16 vs. Chicago Fire and Saturday, July 19 vs. Charlotte FC. Tickets remain available for both matches.
