Atlanta United is back on the road this weekend as the team heads up I-85 to take on Charlotte FC. With only eight matches remaining in the regular season, the 5-Stripes are looking to pick up important points on the road this Saturday night. Coming off a 2-0 defeat at LA Galaxy last weekend, the team sits in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. It trails eighth place Toronto FC by five points, while holding a slim one-point lead over a couple of teams in the final playoff spot. Charlotte enters the match in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings as it looks to make a push into the top four. Charlotte picked up a 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls last weekend. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Charlotte FC.
Create more clear-cut scoring chances and finish them
Coming off a shutout last time out, Atlanta’s attack is looking to get going once again this Saturday. The team created 17 total shots, but only three of those were on target. One of the keys to success this weekend will be to create more clear-cut scoring chances in the final third. Throughout the season, Atlanta has proven that when it creates clear-cut scoring chances, it converts those at a high percentage. According to the leagues’ official stat provider Sportec, ATL UTD ranks fifth in MLS with a 64.0% conversion rate on clear-cut chances. If they can find a way to create multiple clear-cut scoring opportunities this weekend and convert those into goals, they will be in a good position to secure three road points.
Be aware of Charlotte’s counterattack
In the first matchup between the two sides back in June, Charlotte’s counterattack was one of the keys to its success. Atlanta controlled the possession (59.7 - 40.3) and outshot (18-10) Charlotte, but the visitors converted four shots on target into three goals. With the speed of players like Patrick Agyemang and Kerwin Vargas, Charlotte has attackers who can threaten any backline on the break. Atlanta’s defense and defensive midfield will need to be aware of transition moments and try to limit the spaces for Charlotte to try and counterattack. If Atlanta can limit Charlotte’s transition moments, it could be in a good position to earn the victory at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday.
Continue to find offensive chemistry with new pieces
Atlanta’s attack has been looking to find the right chemistry and consistency seemingly all season long. Whether it’s been due to injury, international call-ups, transfers in or out, the front four has seen several different combinations through 26 matches this year. The team has been working hard on the training pitch this week to find that chemistry in the attack. Most importantly, Alexey Miranchuk has had another week to get comfortable with the likes of Xande Silva, Saba Lobjanidze, Jamal Thiaré and Daniel Ríos. The faster the newest designated player signing can mesh with his attacking teammates, the better the outcome will be for Atlanta. In his first MLS action, Miranchuk already created two scoring chances for his teammates. He also hit the crossbar on a curling strike from distance, showing the type of top quality he has on the ball.
Another new addition this summer is Pedro Amador who had a good outing against LA Galaxy last weekend. The left back got forward on several occasions to join the attack and also created two scoring chances, one of which was nearly an assist to Thiaré who had strayed offside. If Atlanta’s new-look attack can continue to mesh, it should create more scoring opportunities and score more goals down the stretch.
Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Saturday night at 7:30 pm ET when the action kicks off at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).
