Atlanta lets two points slip away in 2-2 draw against Columbus

A draw that feels like a loss given the standings.

Atlanta United played to a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew on Sunday at Lower.com Field in a game that saw much of the same mistakes cost Atlanta in much of the same ways.

The starting lineup featured a back three of Gutman, Franco and Purata with Wiley and Lennon as fullbacks. Marcelino Moreno started on the bench this time, with Pineda opting for Amar Sejdic in midfield instead.

Despite Columbus being the home side, Atlanta seemed to start the game more comfortably. They attacked and created some great shot chances. Their efforts were rewarded when Santiago Sosa curled a shot past Eloy Room to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead. He almost doubled that lead minutes later, but the goal was called back for a foul.

The second half saw a more sloppy performance compared to the first as the team started getting stuck in defensively. It didn't take long for Columbus' Cucho Hernandez to capitalize and score a brace to shift the tide of the game.

The Crew's lead lasted mere minutes, however, as Jaunjo Purata headed a ball home to force a draw. The final score was 2-2.

Even though Atlanta tied, it certainly feels like a loss with the season winding down and their opportunities for points are quickly slipping away. The result leaves Atlanta 13th in the East with 30 points and five points from the playoff line. With just eight games left to make up the deficit, things are looking grim for the Five Stripes' playoff hopes.

Atlanta's next game will be against DC United at home on Sunday. It'll be one of just four remaining home games and by far the easiest match they have left. Kickoff will be at 4:08 PM.