Short-handed Crew aim to boost playoff positioning at Atlanta

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th September, 12:57 2025

Jun 25, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) steals the ball from Atlanta United midfielder Bartosz Slisz (99) during the second half at Lower.com Field. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew will look to overcome the loss of Sean Zawadzki when they return to action against the host Atlanta United on Saturday.

The Crew's group of defenders took a hit after Zawadzki sustained a right MCL injury while training with the United States men's national team. He is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

"He was ready to show what he is capable of; and one action, a desire to win the ball, and he (injured) something," Crew coach Wilfried Nancy said, per the Columbus Dispatch. "But this is Sean. He's strong mentally. So, I discussed with him, this is a part of the journey, this is the way it is.

"He's going to come back stronger. But obviously, I would have preferred the opposite. We have to accept it, and now he's already on track to get back as soon as possible."

While the Crew (12-6-10, 46 points) are lamenting the loss of Zawadzki, they are set to welcome the return of Darlington Nagbe. The midfielder has been sidelined since sustaining a torso injury in a Leagues Cup match against Liga MX's Club Leon on Aug. 5.

"He could have come back earlier," Nancy said. "But it was better for everyone that he comes back this week."

Jacen Russell-Rose scored two goals and Andres Herrera also tallied in the first half of Columbus' 3-1 victory over Atlanta United on June 25.

Defender Brooks Lennon scored his lone goal of the season in that match for the Five Stripes.

"We meet a good team (Saturday), and of course, we remember that game (in June)," Atlanta coach Ronny Deila said. "That was our worst performance this season, the first half. We have to take learning from that and try to do it better."

The Crew are mired in a winless drought that dates back to July 19. They find themselves in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

While Columbus is jockeying for position for a possible playoff bid, Atlanta (5-12-11, 26 points) simply is looking to avoid being eliminated from postseason contention on Saturday. That could happen if team draws or loses versus the Crew or if the Chicago Fire defeat New York City FC.

Atlanta United showed a sense of urgency with consecutive clean sheets to end the month of August.

--Field Level Media

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