Atlanta United (16-5-6) continue their four-match road stretch with a week-long trip out West beginning with a matchup at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park against the Colorado Rapids (6-15-6). Despite not playing last weekend, Atlanta officially clinched their 2018 playoff spot with a few results which put them out of reach, but they remain in a tight race for the Supporters’ Shield. Meanwhile Colorado sit on the other end of the spectrum, currently near the bottom of the Western Conference and while mathematically not eliminated just yet, that would change with anything but a win on Saturday. Their home, their pride, and their season is on the line for the Rapids on Saturday.
Ahead of this weekend’s match, we broke down the Tools to the Match presented by The Home Depot:
1) Preach Patience
The Rapids have grown notorious over the last few years for entering every match with a compact, disciplined, defensive mindset, one that could frustrate a team like Atlanta who thrives in space. And while Colorado’s 2018 season hasn’t quite gone to plan, there’s a reason they finished undefeated at home in 2016 and only allowed 7 goals there all season (an MLS record). They’ve not been an expansive attacking side, but they’re disciplined and never easy to beat at home, never needing many chances to steal points. And even though the majority of the 90 minutes may be frustrating for the Five Stripes, the visitors need stick to the game plan, possess, be patient, and allow their danger men to find the flaws in the Colorado back line.
2) Serve the Servers
If you know of Atlanta United, you know Josef Martinez has been stealing the headlines around the league – breaking scoring records left and right. He will undoubtedly be a handful for the Colorado defense, but the Golden Boot leader hasn’t struck 28 times on his own. Behind him lies arguably the most electric attacking core in Major League Soccer in Miguel Almirón, Julian Gressel and Tito Villalba who have combined to assist 15 of Martinez’s league-leading tally between. So while picking out #7 will be important, getting the ball to his partners in attack will be just as crucial against a compact Colorado side who will be keen on marking Martinez all match.
3) Know the Playmakers
Colorado have had a tough year offensively, only netting 31 goals so far – the lowest in the league. And it doesn’t help that they recently traded away their leading goalscorer for the last two seasons in striker Dominique Badji. However, it doesn’t mean they remain without threats and perhaps their most dangerous players play outside the front line, something Atlanta will need to be aware of. From the left back position, Edgar Castillo brings plenty of pace, skill and a deadly service to the flank, leading his team in goals (3) and assists (5). And on the receiving end of the Badji trade with Dallas, Colorado acquired U.S. international Kellyn Acosta. Though he only has six games in his pocket with his new team, the central midfielder has already recorded 2 goals and 2 assists, looking solid defensively, comfortable in possession and dangerous from distance. Focusing on those two players will go a long way to keeping a coveted road clean sheet.
Follow the Match:
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, with the match set to be broadcast on Univision and streamed live on Twitter. You can listen to the game on the Atlanta United app or through one of our radio partners: 92.9 The Game or, for Spanish-speaking listeners, La Mejor Atlanta. Click here for a full rundown of how to follow along with the game.
