Following a small break, Atlanta United is back in action on Wednesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when New York City FC comes to town. The 5-Stripes are in a good run of form recently riding a six-match unbeaten streak, while NYCFC is looking for its first win since late April. The international break is coming to a close on June 20, which could mean that both teams will have to deal with some absences. Atlanta enters the match in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, just two points out of fourth. NYCFC comes in at 11th in the standings, three points below the playoff line. Let’s take a closer look at the Tools to the Match presented by The Home Depot against NYCFC.
Next Man Up mentality
The last time Atlanta faced the challenge of playing during the international break, things didn’t go as expected with a loss at Columbus. Players and coaches have taken lessons from that weekend and will look to implement them on Wednesday night. Atlanta’s depth has been tested over the last couple of weeks and the young players have responded. Tyler Wolff has contributed goals off the bench. Jay Fortune just earned his first start last time out in midfield and performed well.
The young Homegrowns have provided coach Gonzalo Pineda with options that he will now look to for this match. Atlanta’s home form this year has been impressive with a 6-1-2 (W-L-T) record and the team is eager to extend its current six-match unbeaten run against NYCFC.
Don’t underestimate NYCFC’s attack
If you strictly look at the stats, NYCFC’s attack ranks among the bottom third in the Eastern Conference with just 18 goals scored in 18 matches played. But Atlanta can’t underestimate the talent that NYCFC possesses in attack. Talles Magno proved last year with seven goals and 10 assists that he can be a dangerous player in the attack. Gabriel Pereira and Santiago Rodriguez are tricky playmakers who have the freedom to move all over the pitch and confuse defenses. They both are tied for the team lead with four goals.
Atlanta United’s defense will need to remain organized and focused for the entire 90 minutes in order to not be dragged out of their defensive shape by the free-flowing NYCFC attack. If they can stay disciplined and not give Rodriguez and Pereira the time and space to create chances, then the 5-Stripes will be in a good position to keep all three points at home.
Take advantage of Set Piece opportunities
Paying attention to details on set pieces will be another key for Atlanta United on Wednesday night. The 5-Stripes have produced the most goals off set pieces (12) this year. NYCFC on the other hand has conceded the most goals from set pieces (11) in all of MLS. Atlanta needs to take advantage of this important part of the game. Brooks Lennon is one of the more accurate crossers in the league and delivers good set pieces. The 5-Stripes will look to add to their tally on Wednesday night. Another key on set pieces has been Atlanta’s aerial duel success which sits at 55.1%, the second-highest number in MLS. NYCFC ranks 23rd in this category at just 46.9% coming into Wednesday night.
Fans can tune in nationally on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app on Wednesday night at 7:30pm ET when the action kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).
