Atlanta United is BACK! Ok, it was one game. And it was against the last team in MLS that looked absolutely terrible. But Atlanta scored four goals. Yes, four goals. That is truly absurd given what the team have looked like in recent games and throughout the season. I really can’t tell if it was more of DC United being that bad, or Atlanta playing better, but nonetheless this could act as a turning point in Atlanta’s season.
Atlanta have 8 games left and don’t ask me how, but they sit in 8th place in the Eastern Conference. So… they’re in the playoffs right now. It’s crazy to think about but somehow, it’s true. And once again Atlanta were playing with zero Designated Players (DPs.) I’ve said it for a little while now, the state in which this team is right now is not a fair judgement on the roster itself. In a league where you’re allowed three DPs, where DPs are normally if not always a team’s best player and performer, Atlanta have been playing without a single one. Marcelino Moreno is on his way to making his debut. Ezequiel Barco has been injured for the longest “day-to-day” injury I’ve ever witnessed, and Josef Martinez seems to kind of be on his way back. So, the days of no DPs might be coming to a close. Which you would think means they’ll have an even better chance to start playing better.
I’ve also said multiple times that I think a fully healthy squad is a legitimate MLS Cup contender if they play to their capabilities. However, they haven’t been playing to their capabilities so far this season so that statement seems kind of ludicrous. I truly do believe it though.
Against DC United Atlanta looked a lot better than they have for most of this season. Similarly to the FC Dallas game they had more patience. It’s not necessarily defensive because they find ways to score goals as well, but it’s also not attacking. They basically sit and wait for the right time to pounce and then they go all out to make the most of the opportunity. With this game plan the team has been more cohesive allowing them to be more solid defensively as well as creating better chances in the attack. I do think in some games it will lower the amount of opportunities they create, but the pros on the defensive side heavily outweigh the cons on the offensive side. Add onto that the talent from DPs coming back and creating chances might come a little easier.
Jon Gallagher is growing into a very strong player for Atlanta United. In all honesty it’s quite possible he wouldn’t even be playing if it wasn’t for all of Atlanta’s injuries. However, he is playing, and boy has he taken advantage of his chance. He scored a brace today and, in some games, has looked like the only spark Atlanta had on offense. Another player that impressed today and really has somehow impressed through this time of struggle is Brooks Lennon. His crossing has been impressive all year long. The numbers don’t really show for it because players haven’t been finishing off the chances in front of goal. His two assists tonight were gorgeous balls that actually ended in a teammate scoring. I’m telling you now, if and when he plays with Josef Martinez, Josef is going to FEAST on those types of balls. We already have seen it with Julian Gressel.
Atlanta won against DC United and are somehow in a playoffs spot. Yes, it was the last team in MLS and one game. But this could be a turning point as things start to point towards positives. It seems a DP being in the squad is a larger possibility as time passes, whether it be Moreno or Barco. And with the talent in the squad, making and going far in the playoffs isn’t too far out of the question in my opinion. And I’m starting to think how crazy it would be for such a terrible season to still somehow be a success.
All in all, Atlanta won by four goals against DC United. That’s rarely a bad thing. We’ll have to wait and see whether this is a turning point or not. With DP players seemingly on their way back, and possibly some better play in general, it definitely could be.