Giakoumakis Leads Atlanta United to Decisive 4-2 Victory Over Columbus Crew, Forces Final Game in MLS Playoffs Series

Atlanta's snapping of a four-game winless streak and Columbus Crew's poor road playoff record could give the match-up a decisive edge in the final game.

Atlanta United, led by Giorgos Giakoumakis' significant contribution of a goal and two assists, defeated the Columbus Crew 4-2, forcing a final, decisive game in the best-of-three series in the MLS Playoffs.
Giakoumakis, who was crowned the MLS newcomer of the year with 17 goals, opened the scoring for Atlanta in the 38th minute of the game, effectively giving his team an early lead.
Despite Columbus star Cucho Hernández's efforts, scoring a tying goal seven minutes after Giakoumakis's opener, Atlanta regained its lead and entered half-time ahead 2-1, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Xande Silva assisted by Giakoumakis.
Near the end of the second half, Edwin Mosquera and Thiago Almada succeeded in further extending Atlanta's lead to 4-1 with goals scored just 5 minutes apart.
Columbus Crew has a concerning road playoff record, having failed to win any of its last 16 away matches in the MLS playoffs since their last away postseason win in the 2002 quarterfinals.