We are entering crunch time in the race for the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. Atlanta United is back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on D.C. United in a critical matchup. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, a limited number of fans will be in attendance to cheer on the 5-Stripes (Welcome Back Fans). The match kicks off at 4pm ET on Fox Sports Southeast. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by The Home Depot.
Get on the Front Foot Early
The last time Atlanta United faced D.C. United, the 5-Stripes came out flying and scored in the 4th minute through Jon Gallagher. That set the tone for the rest of the match as Atlanta picked up a 4-0 victory on the road at Audi Field. This season the team is 5-0-0 when scoring first. If you look at Atlanta United’s history in MLS, the 5-Stripes own an impressive 42-3-3 mark when leading at halftime in MLS Regular Season action. Putting D.C. United’s defense under pressure early and grabbing that first goal will be a big key on Saturday.
Stop D.C. United’s Momentum; Control Set Pieces
D.C. United has made a managerial change since the last time these two teams faced each other and the “New Manager Bump” has given the team some momentum heading into Saturday’s match. They picked up a 2-2 draw vs. Philadelphia and earned a 2-1 victory against Cincinnati last time out. It was the team’s first win since Sept. 2. One of the keys has been set pieces. Three of the D.C.’s four goals in those two matches came off set pieces, an area that Atlanta United has looked to clean up after allowing 6 goals off set pieces so far in 2020.
Designated Players Can Make Difference
Two of Atlanta United’s Designated Players are back on the pitch just in time for the team’s stretch run in the regular season. Ezequiel Barco, who returned after recovering from an injury, and Marcelino Moreno were both second half subs against Toronto FC. In the 45 minutes, you could see glimpses of what the 5-Stripe fans can expect. They brought elements of speed, dribbling past defenders and composure on the ball in tight spaces to the match. After a full week of training, Atlanta United will need its Designated Players to shine to earn three points on Saturday against D.C. United.
Head Coach Stephen Glass knows their quality and what they can bring to the team. “It was pleasing to see how dangerous they looked against Toronto when they both came on in the second half” Glass said this week. “In terms of what the expectations are, we are expecting big performances from our big players. Anytime these guys are available, that’s what you look for. They expect that themselves, guys like Barco and Moreno welcome the pressure and expectation.”
Tune in to the match on Saturday on Fox Sports Southeast when Atlanta United hosts D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 4pm ET.
