Homegrowns Caleb Wiley and Jay Fortune made their first career playoff when Atlanta United fell to Columbus Crew 2-0 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of Round One’s Best-of-3 series in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. Columbus broke a scoreless tie in first-half stoppage time before adding a second from the penalty spot.
Brad Guzan kept Atlanta in the match throughout a tightly contested first half. His first save came against former teammate Darlington Nagbe, who had time and space just outside the box before unleashing a shot that forced Guzan to making a diving save in the 19th minute. Guzan finished the match with six saves, tying his Atlanta postseason career-high mark.
There was a moment before the first goal. I’ve always said that goals change games. Up until that point, I think we were frustrating them in terms of what they wanted to do. We lost the ball and within two, three passes they were inside our box. It’s just moments.” said Guzan.
“So now for the next game, we will have Thiago back, we will be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium we will be strong. We have to be on the front foot. It’s a life or death match and we have to go all in.” Atlanta United Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda.
Atlanta will host Game 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
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