Both Atlanta United and the Columbus Crew enjoyed an international break without any matches. Atlanta’s Brad Guzan and Miles Robinson spent time with the U.S. Men’s National Team while Columbus’ Gyasi Zardes and Wil Trapp did the same. Atlanta lost their match to Philadelphia prior to the break while Columbus drew Chicago. Columbus beat Atlanta 2-0 in a rainstorm back in March in these teams’ first match-up of the season.
Atlanta United, who once controlled their own destiny in the East, now have ground to make up. Although the loss wasn’t too dispiriting, no points against Philadelphia really hurt the Five Stripes’ chances at the top seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs.