Atlanta United goes to Columbus seeking 1st win

Defending MLS champion Atlanta United is off to a slow start partly because of a congested schedule.

Now, having not played in two weeks because of the international break, Atlanta (0-1-2) is set to resume play at Columbus Crew SC on Saturday.

Atlanta played seven matches, including four in the CONCACAF Champions League with a game each in Costa Rica and Mexico, from Feb. 21 through a 1-1 tie vs. the Philadelphia Union on March 17.

"Every three or four days, we've had a game," Atlanta coach Frank de Boer said after the Union match. "We are just missing the freshness to get a pass to the right man. I think the reason is mostly because of the freshness we are missing right now."

The time off was great but unfortunately for Atlanta, the downside is its high-priced offseason signing, attacking midfielder Gonzalo "Pity" Martinez, sustained a hamstring injury playing for Argentina's national team on March 22 and will not be available vs. the Crew (2-1-1).

De Boer said Thursday that Martinez should be ready for the next match April 13 at the New England Revolution.

The Crew is coming off a 3-0 loss at Philadelphia on March 23 in which several starters missed the match because of national team duties, including midfielder Wil Trapp and forward Gyasi Zardes.

They will be back with the Crew but goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who opted out of two U.S. matches because of a leg injury, is not expected to play. Joe Bendik started against the Union.

Crew coach Caleb Porter likes that Atlanta is next.

"The guys are excited to play the MLS Cup champions," he said. "What a great opportunity to bounce back and respond from the disappointment and to show that that wasn't us and that we can be better and beat the MLS Cup champions. I think the guys are certainly ready to make it right this weekend."

Atlanta has won all four regular-season games vs. the Crew.

--Field Level Media