MLS Playoffs: Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United

We had tickets to see the Columbus Crew take on Atlanta United in the first round of the 2023 MLS Playoffs, but there was no guarantee we’d get to go. This third match in the series would be cancelled if either team won the first two. But luckily, they split the initial games, meaning that Game 3 was on! So we bundled up, and headed over to Lower.com field on November 12th for a chilly Sunday evening match.

The ride from Springfield to Columbus was easy, and we arrived way ahead of schedule. That was by design — we wanted plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere and to explore this relatively new stadium, which opened in 2021. The Crew’s original home was the first soccer-specific stadium built in the USA, and although we loved it, Lower.com Field is a major upgrade. It cost $231 million to build, and has firmly positioned Columbus as one of the meccas of US soccer.

We’re accustomed to the Mestalla in Valencia, which is one of Spain’s oldest stadiums, so walking into Lower.com Field felt like exchanging an old-timer for a brand new Tesla. Everything was modern and sparkling; it was easy to find our seats, and there were more concessions and shopping possibilities than we could believe. We were impressed!

Of course, the modern vibe comes with a modern price tag. All the food and drinks were extremely expensive — maybe this has become the norm at US sporting events, but I’m just not paying that much for a small bag of Doritos. You can load it with toppings and call it a “walking taco” all you want, but it’s still a small bag of Doritos! Merchandise was similarly overpriced — think $40 for a regular hat.

But all this was forgotten once the pre-game show started. They had fireworks, flamethrowers and even a live band pumping the crowd up. Overall, there was a great atmosphere in the stadium, which was completely packed. Who would have ever guessed that American soccer fans could be just as rabid as those in Europe? Just look at these smoke torches!

And the game was exciting, too! The Crew won 4-2 and was able to move to the next round, against Orlando City. They would win that round, too, and go onto the Conference Finals against their hated rival FC Cincinnati. They would win that match as well, in spectacular fashion, and move onto the final against LAFC. And … the Crew won again, claiming the MLS Cup for the third time in their 27 year history.

We had such a blast, that we might make it a new tradition to go to a MLS soccer game every time we visit the USA. Soccer is taking this country by storm!