Atlanta United forward Giorgos Giakoumakis #7 heads the ball during the match against Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field in Columbus, OH on Sunday November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta United)

5-Stripe playoff run comes to an end

Atlanta United’s playoff run came to an end Sunday night, as it fell 4-2 to Columbus Crew in Game 3 of Round One of the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. Trailing early, Atlanta battled from behind as Giorgos Giakoumakis and Xande Silva each added their second goal of the playoffs to keep the club within striking distance. But, Columbus held on to book its ticket to the Eastern Conference.

The last three games here we faced a very, very good team. Columbus is a very good team and they were better than us in two of the three matches and we need to regroup, and improve for next year.”  said Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda.

Brooks Lennon recorded two assists, bringing his total to three this post-season, while Giorgos Giakoumakis scored his 19th MLS goal of the season.

“Nobody is happy with the result. Everyone was upset, angry, frustrated in the locker room. In the end, as I said, it was a transitional season. So, we have to build our base and from there we can expect great things.” added Giakoumakis, on if this season is a failure with no trophy for the team.

 

The loss ends Atlanta’s season. Columbus will move on to face Orlando City SC on Saturday, Nov. 25 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.