Atlanta United bounced from MLS tournament with zero wins, zero goals
Atlanta United have been eliminated from the MLS is Back Tournament without winning a match or scoring a goal.
Frank De Boer's side limped to a 1-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew on Tuesday to finish dead-last in Group E.
Without star striker Josef Martinez - who's rehabilitating from an ACL tear - the 2018 MLS Cup champions struggled to create or convert chances.
The Crew had no such problems, scoring seven goals without conceding in the group stage. As group winners, they'll now face the runners-up from Group D in the round of 16 on July 28.
Atlanta attempted 15 shots against Columbus, but many were speculative at best. Defender Anton Walkes produced the most promising chance in the 94th minute, forcing Columbus 'keeper Andrew Tarbell to make a sharp save on the goal line.
ESPN commentator Taylor Twellman leveled criticism at Pity Martinez, Atlanta's primary playmaker, throughout the match. Martinez joined Atlanta for an MLS-record fee in January 2019 as South America's reigning Player of the Year.
"You just can't be the South American Player of the Year and forget how to play," Twellman said on Tuesday's broadcast.