COLUMBUS, OH — June 25, 2025 — Atlanta United endured a frustrating night on the road, falling 3-1 to the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field. With six players sidelined due to injuries, head coach Ronny Deila was once again forced to reshuffle the lineup, handing Efraín Morales his first start of the 2025 MLS Regular Season.
Defensive Injuries Force Tactical Shift
With Derrick Williams unavailable following an injury in the last match, Morales, returning from international duty with Bolivia, joined Matt Edwards and Luis Abram in a five-man back line aimed at containing Columbus’s quick attacking unit.
Atlanta focused on defending deep and launching counterattacks via wingbacks Pedro Amador and Brooks Lennon, but the compact formation also left gaps that the Crew exploited early.
First-Half Dominance by Columbus
Dylan Chambost was instrumental for Columbus, orchestrating a number of dangerous plays. In the 23rd minute, he delivered a long ball to Andrés Herrera, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Brad Guzan for the opener.
Just minutes later, Jacen Russell-Rowe capitalized on a defensive lapse and doubled Columbus’s lead with a composed finish inside the box. In the 42nd minute, a midfield turnover by Bartosz Slisz under pressure led to another Columbus attack, with Russell-Rowe scoring again after a one-two with Diego Rossi, making it 3-0 before halftime.
Second-Half Response Falls Short
Deila introduced Will Reilly in place of Mateusz Klich to stabilize the midfield. The change helped shift some momentum, and in the 56th minute, Morales headed down a cross from Aleksey Miranchuk, eventually resulting in a goal from Brooks Lennon following a goalmouth scramble and a lengthy VAR review.
It was Lennon’s first goal of the season and briefly sparked Atlanta’s hopes of a comeback. Substitutes Saba Lobjanidze and Jamal Thiaré entered in the 77th minute to provide attacking support, but Columbus managed the game efficiently to secure the 3-1 victory.
Match Notes:
- Efraín Morales made his first start of the season and fifth appearance overall for Atlanta United.
- Matt Edwards earned his sixth consecutive start at center back.
- Brooks Lennon scored his first goal of the 2025 season.
- Columbus extended their unbeaten home record, while Atlanta remains winless in three straight matches.
What’s Next:
Atlanta United (4-10-5, 17 points) will look to rebound on Saturday, July 5, with a road match against D.C. United during the Independence Day weekend.
Final Score: Columbus Crew 3, Atlanta United 1
Stadium: Lower.com Field, Columbus, OH
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor
