With the 2023 Major League Soccer winding down, every point matters as the Columbus Crew battle for playoff seeding. The Crew had an opportunity to get an important three points on the road for the second time this week on Saturday night but had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United after conceding a late equalizer.

Columbus controlled the first half of the match with 55 percent possession and out-shooting Atlanta 11-3. Although the Crew was the better side in the first 45 minutes, the team could not capitalize to take the lead.

The best opportunity of the first half came in the ninth minute when midfielder Darlington Nagbe and wing back Julian Gressel combined down the right flank. Gressel was able to find forward Cucho Hernandez as he made space for a cut-back shot but United goalkeeper Brad Guzan made a kick save.

Wing back Sean Zawadzki picked up a pass from forward Diego Rossi in the 38th minute and unleashed a screamer from 35 yards out. However, Zawadzki’s shot was just wide.

Moments later Rossi put in a pass to a streaking attacking midfielder Alexandru Matan in the 43rd minute. Matan was not able to utilize his pace while on the ball and fullback Brooks Lennon easily recovered to block the shot.

The Black & Gold came out of halftime and immediately pressured Atlanta. In the 48th minute, Gressel found Hernandez in the penalty box. The forward controlled the ball and created space from defender Miles Robinson. Hernandez’s shot was right at Guzan, and the game remained level.

Just minutes later, Hernandez got a head on a cross from Rossi but the shot was blocked. The rebound went in front of Zawadzki, who reacted just a fraction too slowly, allowing a defender to close him down, and the ensuing shot was off. 

In the 55th minute, Nagbe lined up a shot from outside of the 18-yard box off a ball popped up from a corner kick. Guzan saved that shot as well as midfielder Aidan Morris’ long-range effort in the 58th minute.

Columbus finally got the breakthrough goal in the 65th minute after Zawadzki found Morris streaking into the penalty box. Rossi checked towards Zawadzki to receive a pass which drew defenders and opened a passing lane for Morris. For a moment, it looked as if Atlanta’s Matheus Rosetto would get to the ball first, but Morris was able to get his foot on the ball first, deflecting it off the midfielder to Hernandez near the penalty spot. The forward’s shot finally beat Guzan to put the Crew up 1-0.

United fans thought they would have an equalizer in the second minute of second half stoppage time when the ball fell to Thiago Almada. Atlanta’s playmaker put a long range shot on target through multiple players but Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made the save despite having difficulty seeing the ball.

Schulte’s shutout would only last five more minutes. United found late equalizer after second half substitute Kevin Molino committed a foul just outside the 18-yard box. Almada’s free kick found a wide open Robinson in front of the goal and his header did not miss, forcing the Black & Gold to settle for the 1-1 draw.

Dropped points

The night ended on a sour note for Crew fans once again. Columbus has dropped 10 points in the 90th minute or later this season. Those games were against Orlando City SC (twice), Inter Miami, New York City FC and in this match. Those additional points would have put the Black & Gold in the mix for the Supporters’ Shield race, won by rivals FC Cincinnati.

Playoff picture

Even with all the dropped points, Columbus controls its destiny for a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference with a win against CF Montreal on Decision Day next week. The New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union play each other and both teams cannot overcome the Crew if the Black & Gold defeat Montreal. Depending on the result of the Revolution-Union game, Columbus could finish as high as third place in the Eastern Conference, which would qualify the team for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. 

What’s next

As mentioned, the Crew plays Montreal at Lower.com Field on Decision Day. That match comes after the international break on Saturday, Oct. 21 and kicks off at 6 p.m. ET.