3 Questions with Massive Report
We caught up with a Columbus Crew expert to learn a bit more about Saturday's opponent.
Atlanta United begins their 2024 season tomorrow afternoon (2:00 p.m. ET) when they travel to Columbus to take on the defending MLS Cup champions. As part of our pre-match coverage routine here at Five Stripe Final, we’re going to adopt a common feature seen at our former stomping ground. Before each match this season, we will attempt to seek out a top expert for each opposing team and ask them some topical questions.
The goal for this is to help you all learn as much as possible about the opponent. Instead of us pretending we have a vast knowledge of every single team in the league, it’s better to hear it straight from the people who cover them on a daily basis.
Ahead of tomorrow’s matchup with the Crew, we caught up with Ralph Schudel, the Managing Editor of Massive Report. As a fellow independent outlet within the MLS community, please check them out if you’re still curious about Columbus.
Here’s what Ralph had to say ahead of the big opening day match.
Rob: What was the Crew's biggest offseason move?
Ralph: It was a pretty quiet offseason for the Crew with some light roster turnover. Julian Gressel has departed for Inter Miami and Kevin Molino departing the team is still a mystery but the move I’m most excited about is Marino Hinestroza.
The former Pachuca man seems to have caught the eye of Crew head coach Wilfred Nancy but his role in the Crew system remains a mystery. He mostly played on the left during his time in Liga MX, but according to Nancy he can play among the front three or in a wingback position. Time will tell how that signing shakes out.
Rob: What are Crew fans' perception of Atlanta United after last season? Do you consider them viable competitors for the best team in the East?
Ralph: Crew fans will always consider the Black & Gold to be the “greatest team the world has ever seen,” but if one is to step back and objectively analyze the Five Stripes, that’s a good-looking squad on the pitch.
It’s not the days of Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron running around on the pitch but Atlanta has some solid building blocks to set themselves up for success in this season or the next.
Look, MLS is a crap shoot, plain and simple. One team can be world beaters one year and then fall off the face of the planet the next. Do I think that happens to either team featured in Saturday’s contest? No.
However, how can Atlanta fans not be excited for a team that boasts the likes of a Thiago Almada or Giorgos Giakoumakis. Crew fans saw what difference makers they can be when they are in the game and I don’t believe it’s unreasonable to think Atlanta is in contention for a playoff spot this season.
If they can punch their ticket into the postseason, no doubt they will make some noise once again.
Rob: What will prevent the Crew from repeating their winning ways this season?
Ralph: It feels weird to be talking about this especially with the Open Cup drama, but match congestion. Columbus’ depth will be tested at somepoint this season and how the Crew respond in times of adversity will dictate how the season will go for the Black & Gold.
They have the personnel and coaching to succeed, they just have to win that mental game as well.
Rob: Bonus question. Who is the best American midfielder to ever win 3 MLS Cups with 3 different teams?
Ralph: Haha easy, Lakewood, Ohio’s own, Darlington Nagbe.
Predicted Starting XI: Patrick Schulte; Rudy Camacho, Steven Moreira, Malte Amundsen, Yaw Yeboah; Aidan Morris, Darlington Nagbe, Mo Farsi, Diego Rossi; Christian Ramirez, Cucho Hernandez
Score Prediction: This is a tough game to call, but I don’t think a 2-1 victory for Columbus is out of the question.
A point from this game would be a huge positive going into the season