Atlanta United head up to New York this weekend for one of the biggest matches of the entire MLS season, a 1 vs 2 clash against the Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. With a chance to clinch a spot in next year’s Concacaf Champions’ League with a win, three points would be a massive achievement for the Five Stripes.
Ahead of this crucial Eastern Conference clash, we broke down the Tools to the Match, presented by The Home Depot.
Keep out Kaku
With Bradley Wright-Phillips suspended for the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards, the most dangerous player on the field will be someone a little further back in the field. Paraguayan #10 Alejandro Romero, or Kaku, is a front-runner for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award with 5 goals and 14 assists from the attacking midfield position. Quick and crafty in possession and with an eye for the incisive pass, he’s capable of splitting a defense every time he’s on the ball. Limiting his time in possession with defensive pressure –– and cutting off supply to him to keep him off the ball altogether –– would throw a massive wrench into the Red Bulls attacking machine. Look out for the enforcers in the middle, whether it be Eric Remedi, Jeff Larentowicz or both, to have a body on him at all times.
Outsmart the Press
The New York Red Bulls have perfected a signature pressing style of play that makes the squad better than the sum of their parts. And it’s especially effective at home, where they have three straight clean sheets and are just two wins off the record for most at home in a season. That means the players in the back have to be careful and precise in their passing, with the Red Bulls ready to pounce on the slightest misstep. But just as key is taking advantage once they get past that first wave of pressure, is piling forward when the opportunity is right. It’s about knowing when to strike, and taking advantage of those moments when they present themselves. Against one of the best defenses in the league, those chances don’t come often –– so Atlanta United’s league-leading attack when they do.
Keep the Clean Sheet
It’s something that’s easier said than done, but the first priority for the Five Stripes has to be keeping a clean sheet. With a four-point cushion over the Red Bulls in the standings, a road draw would be a perfectly fine result in the race for the Supporters’ Shield. That’s not to say the team should sit back and stay defensive; this team is at their best playing in the style they’re used to playing, and keeping possession of the ball only limits the opponent’s opportunities. The red, black and gold will go out and try to create like they always do, but you can’t lose if you don’t concede. Avoiding the temptation to overcommit players forward and staying solid in the back will be particularly key this week.
Follow the Match:
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, with the match set to be broadcast on ESPN and streamed on the Watch ESPN App. You can listen to the game on the Atlanta United app or on the radio: Star 94.1 or, for Spanish-speaking listeners, La Mejor Atlanta. Click here for a full rundown of how to follow along with the game.
