Latte Lath makes preseason debut in Atlanta United's win over FC Dallas

Atlanta United played their sixth preseason friendly and fourth straight against an MLS side on Saturday in what was the final tune-up before the regular season kicks off next weekend. Saturday's match against FC Dallas was a notable finish to the first preseason under the leadership of new head coach Ronny Deila. After the match, Deila said the team showed signs of improvement, going unbeaten for the fifth consecutive friendly, but that there are still things to work on as Atlanta United heads into the opening matchweek of the 2025 MLS season.

Notably, Emmanuel Latte Lath, the club's latest designated player signing, made his first appearance in a competitive match this preseason. Latte Lath arrived to Atlanta in early February and flew to Florida to meet the team during their preseason trip at IMG Academy. His visa was cleared this week, making him eligible to hit the pitch for the first time since January 25 when he appeared for Middlesbrough FC, his former squad, of the English Football League Championship.

"He looked good," Deila said. "[He] created chances and worked hard. Good touch on the ball. Very quick as well. He's going to be another asset to our squad."

The two teams kicked off at noon on the showcase pitch at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. The natural elements created a bit of a challenge with a dampened pitch and slippery ball due to rain and heavy fog, but soccer was still a full-go as the sides competed for three 45-minutes halves.

(It was a little chilly, so apologies in advance for any typos as this writer's fingers are still warming up.)

Notes from the first half

- As much depth as Atlanta United has, one area that might be thin at the moment is fullback with Pedro Amador and Brooks Lennon making their way back from injuries. Matt Edwards and Ronald Hernández, who filled in at those positions today, complement each other's level of experience. Hernández has been with the club since 2021 and made more than 30 starts. Meanwhile, Edwards has made just one MLS appearance. Edwards made some great plays, including one early read and interception that led to an Atlanta United attack. Hernández showed his versatility, moving from one wing to the other when Edwards was subbed off in the second 45.

- The rest of the starting XI: Brad Guzan, Derrick Williams, Luis Abram, Bartosz Slisz, Mateusz Klich, Alexey Miranchuk, Saba Lobjanidze, Miguel Almirón, Jamal Thiaré

- On one play, center back Luis Abram made a long switch to Edwards on the right flank. Edwards made a nice combination that brought him to the center of the pitch then sent a long diagonal toward the corner flag. The cross into the box arrived at the feet of Alexey Miranchuk who had some space. Miranchuk skied the shot in one of the best combining plays for Atlanta in the first period.

- Mateusz Klich, the seasoned midfielder who arrived to Atlanta United this offseason from D.C. United, was an example of toughness. After taking a hard ball from close range to his thigh, Klich doggedly raced across the pitch to defend. After Atlanta repossessed the ball, Klich organized the attack. He, along with fellow Polish native Bartosz Slisz, held up the midfield, and together the pair kept close tabs on Lucho Acosta, the crafty center midfielder who made the trip after being acquired just this week by FC Dallas.

- Saba scored the early goal, a great finish, to put Atlanta United ahead.

Notes from the second half

- Saturday tested match fitness for Atlanta United as the starting XI stayed on for the second 45.

- Miguel Almirón was doing Miggy things all day, starting on the wing but moving in centrally at times. In the second 45, the Paraguayan ripped a classic shot that had pace and clanged off the crossbar. Striker Jamal Thiaré tried to knock the rebound in with a header but the attempt missed.

- Saba doubled up the scoring in the second 45 when he made the most out of a blocked shot. His volley was firm and low, rewarding him with a brace on the day.

- Atlanta United conceded shortly after on a set piece. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan misdjudged the long kick, and it sailed over his reach as he came off his line to try and punch it out of danger. FC Dallas finished it with a header to make the score 2-1.

- The first substitutes of the match came on for Atlanta United in this second period: Jay Fortune, Edwin Mosquera, Dominik Chong Qui, and Emmanuel Latte Lath replaced Klich, Thiaré, Edwards, and Miggy.

- Latte Lath's speed was noticeable immediately and he was fearless in his press. He nearly scored minutes after entering the match, taking the ball away in Atlanta's attacking third. He dribbled toward goal then tried to tuck the ball into the corner, but the low strike rolled just wide of frame.

- FC Dallas tested Guzan a few more times to end the second 45, which required back-to-back diving saves from the veteran, and we moved into the final period with the score 2-1 Atlanta.

Notes from the third half

- While there wasn't as much rotation to start the second 45, the final period brought out players for their first minutes: Josh Cohen, Noah Cobb, Stian Gregersen, Chong Qui, Ronan Wynne, Tristan Muyumba, Xande Silva, Fortune, Luke Brennan, Mosquera, Latte Lath.

- Togashi replaced Latte later in the third period.

- Gregersen, the Norwegian center back, is making his way back, but he looked fairly fit in the minutes we saw him. He made an aggressive sliding tackle that bounced off FC Dallas for an Atlanta throw-in right in front of Atlanta's bench, which erupted in applause to cheer on Gregersen's effort.

- Fortune showed command of the midfield and organized this group well. At one point, he made a nifty turn that opened up space on the right side of the pitch for an attack. Another time, Fortune had to throw the main referee, who was in a cumbersome position, out of the way to move the ball forward. It appeared to be the right decision and resulted in an Atlanta United shot on goal.

- Fortune was in the center of action again to create Atlanta's third goal. The midfielder lofted the ball into open space for Mosquera, who was able to turn on the jets and carry the ball toward goal. The Colombian winger slotted the ball with his right foot for a beautiful finish in the same side of the net as his curling golazo against New York Red Bulls last season.

- With the score 3-1 in favor of Atlanta heading into the final minutes of play, FC Dallas was able to pull one goal back. Bernard Kamungo converted a penalty kick with his left foot, driven low to the opposite corner. The finish was the last of the day.

At full-time Atlanta United won the friendly 3-2.

"It was a tough game," Deila said. "They were a good team, Dallas, as well. We needed to defend, and I think we kept them from goal almost the whole game. Their goal was a set play. They had a couple of offside situations, but other than that, there was nothing. Ourselves, we had four, five or six really big chances. That's good. Having said that, there's a lot to work on. I see things we need to improve, but I have to be happy that we keep winning. We've had five games in a row without losing, and that says something also about mentality."

Up next - Home opener (‼️) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Saturday's friendly turns the page on preseason and next we head into a regular season matchweek. Atlanta United hosts CF Montréal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the season opener on February 22.

It'll be an eventful debut for many including Deila, Latte Lath and the Connector, plus the return of Miggy Almirón. The march to soccer crescendos this week and Saturday is the sonorous high note inside a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium.