Atlanta United return residence on Saturday evening to host NYCFC, the previous membership of present Atlanta supervisor Ronny Deila. The match comes on the heels of a 2-2 draw at Cincinnati that leaves Atlanta 1-2-2 in 5 video games, one of many worst five-game begins in franchise historical past.
That stated, there have been a number of optimistic moments in the course of the match that bode effectively for Atlanta United because the membership heads right into a three-match residence stand at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Striker Emmanuel Latte Lath scored his fourth purpose of the season and Atlanta United 2 common midfielder Will Reilly performed 90 minutes on Saturday and greater than held his personal throughout his first profession begin.
“MLS 360” lead host Kevin Egan took time to speak to The Atlanta Voice for a preview of the match in opposition to NYCFC. Airing on Apple TV+ and MLS Season Cross, “MLS 360” (and likewise the “Wrap Up” night Sunday present) affords subscribers a glance into all the MLS matches of the weekend.
The Atlanta Voice: Will Atlanta United ever win one other match?
Kevin Egan: In fact they’ll, Atlanta United can be a extremely good crew this 12 months. Proper now what they’re within the midst of is the determining course of, a teething section of a model new coach, with a brand new technical director, and a brand new crew with new superstars.
AV: What does a match in opposition to his former membership imply to Ronny Deila in his first season as Atlanta United supervisor or is it simply one other match?
OkayE: It means one thing. Ronny Deila would be the first one to say that it doesn’t and it’s simply one other match. However who can neglect the unbelievable scenes with Ronny Deila stripping down to only his boxer shorts after [winning] MLS Cup in 2021, in Portland. They struck gold on the proper time of the 12 months and have become a superb stable time. They weren’t an awesome crew all 12 months, however NYCFC discovered kind on the proper time. Ronny Deila loved an unbelievable time in New York Metropolis, so little question it’s a particular sport for him.
AV: With the sum of money the entrance workplace has spent on Miguel Almiron and Emmanuel Latte Lath this previous offseason, will a loss to NYCFC at residence on Sunday be time to panic?
KE: Atlanta has a $15-million-dollar assault and this crew is extremely methodical in how they go about recruiting gamers. So I’ve little question will probably be successful this season, however it could simply take a number of video games to determine it out.
AV: Will there be a profit to getting a NYCFC crew that’s coming off of a consecutive street match? Atlanta United hasn’t notably been a world-beater at residence this season.
KE: I don’t assume there’s any profit to enjoying NYCFC proper now. NYCFC has already gone on the street to Miami and picked up some extent. They’ve gone on the street to Columbus and picked up some extent. They’ve had a extremely troublesome journey to this point this season and this aspect has grown in confidence on the street, they usually have turn into not solely stable defensively, underneath [manager] Pascal Jansen, but additionally the counterattack with Alonso Martinez, Julian Fernandez, Hannes Wolf is a critical menace for Atlanta United subsequent week.
AV: Alexey Miranchuk has been the subject of dialog in Atlanta soccer circles and sadly not for the most effective causes. How a lot will Atlanta want him to begin enjoying effectively with a view to decide up three factors in opposition to NYCFC on Saturday evening or at every other repoint in the course of the three-game homestand?
KE: I believe Alexey Miranchuk goes to be the participant in Main League Soccer who’s going to supply a variety of receipts for lots of parents who’re criticizing him on the finish of the 12 months. He’s a magician on the ball, nevertheless it simply must work round him. So the runners want to remain out of his house and if attainable, he must kind that telepathic relationship with them. And that may occur. Alexey Miranchuk will turn into the creator for Atlanta United that the crew wants. He’s too good of a participant for it to not work right here in Main League Soccer.
AV: Lastly, inform me if I’m improper, however I consider three factors on Saturday evening might flip this season round. I do know it’s solely match six of the season, however I believe it may be a transformative second. Ideas?
KE: I are inclined to agree right here. I do assume the crew might go on a run in the event that they get a win in opposition to New York Metropolis. The truth that they haven’t gained since opening day just isn’t that regarding, however it is going to begin to creep into the group in the event that they don’t begin to really feel a victory once more quickly. Once you go 4 video games in a row with out profitable and also you simply decide up two factors, that actually begins to set in with the gamers greater than something.
No, hear, Atlanta United in opposition to Cincinnati had been with out 10 gamers, so bringing again key gamers and getting Mateusz Klich absolutely match and firing for this crew goes to be completely essential. I do assume Atlanta can be a extremely good crew come the tip of the season, however proper now, 4 video games with no win for this group with that assault isn’t ok. However I do know issues will change quickly.
A victory on Saturday evening in opposition to New York Metropolis might propel this crew ahead onto a beautiful profitable run.
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