Following the first international break of 2022, Atlanta United is back in action for the first of two consecutive road matches this weekend when the 5-Stripes take on D.C. United at Audi Field. After earning a point in comeback fashion last time out, Atlanta is looking to pick up its first road points of the season. D.C. United sits one point behind Atlanta in the standings and has an even 2-2-0 (6 points) record, while the 5-Stripes own a 2-1-1 (7 points) mark coming into Saturday. Atlanta has taken three points at Audi Field in each of the last two seasons. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by The Home Depot against D.C. United.
Keep Shooting Efficiency Going
The 5-Stripes displayed perfect shooting efficiency when they last played against CF Montreal. Atlanta scored three goals on three shots on target. That marked the seventh time in team history that Atlanta scored a goal on every shot on target in a single match. The game also featured the 5-Stripes scoring three goals from outside the box, the first time since April 2018 that an MLS team scored three goals from outside the box in a single match. Josef Martinez scored after the team forced a turnover with early pressure in Montreal’s half. Thiago Almada’s debut goal was voted the MLS Goal of the Week for Week 4, while Brooks Lennon scored his first-ever direct free kick goal of his career to earn the 3-3 draw.
Keep Close Eyes on Kamara and Estrada
D.C. United’s attack features a good blend of old and new this season. Ola Kamara returned after his best scoring season in MLS last year. The Norwegian scored 19 goals and added five assists. Last season, Kamara was deadly inside the box, scoring 18 of his 19 goals in the penalty area. Atlanta United’s defense will need to know where Kamara is at all times when he’s on the pitch. One of the new faces for D.C. United is Michael Estrada who joined from Liga MX. The Ecuadorian has scored two goals in his first three matches. Both of his goals have come on his only two shots on target this year. Atlanta’s defense is looking for its first clean sheet of the 2022 season as they take on D.C. United at Audi Field.
Make the Combination Play in Attacking Third Count
In the early stages of the season, Atlanta United’s attack has done a good job of combining in the final third and creating some opportunities. The 5-Stripes rank fourth in MLS with a 77.1 passing accuracy in the opponents' half. They have also created 10 Big Chances as scored by Opta, which ranks them in the top-10 in MLS heading into this weekend’s action.
Creating, and ultimately converting, “Big Chances” continues to be one of head coach Gonzalo Pineda’s points of emphasis. Coming into this week’s match against D.C. United, Atlanta features a 50% conversion rate on Big Chances. That ranks them 10th in MLS, as they look to increase that efficiency this weekend.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Click here for all the ways to watch, listen and live stream the match.
D.C. United vs. Atlanta United
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