“Obviously, games change,” Gressel said. “In games, we might change. Scenarios change. Goals change games. We want to be prepared. I think has been a good refresher, reminder of certain things and different styles.”

Additionally, the team worked on what to do should it have a lead or should it trail. It also worked on penalty kicks, which would be needed if the score is tied after regulation and after 30 minutes of extra time. Atlanta United was beaten by Columbus in penalty kicks in the 2017 playoffs.

“Things that you have to be prepared for in a single-elimination game like that,” Gressel said. “Just good reminders. We are sharp. We are looking forward to this and ready to start rolling.”

Because set pieces can affect games, the team also did something differently than they do during the regular season and took them during Wednesday’s practice. Typically, during scrimmage situations the team doesn’t play them out.