Atlanta United returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to close out a long stretch of games since the beginning of May. They will host regional rivals Charlotte FC in front of a full venue crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta is coming off a big midweek win against Inter Miami CF as Saba Lobjanidze and Jamal Thiaré scored in the 3-1 victory in Fort Lauderdale. Four different players recorded assists as the team ended Miami’s unbeaten streak of 10 matches. Charlotte FC lost to New York Red Bulls on the road by the same scoreline, 3-1, in midweek action. Prior to that match, Charlotte had recorded five consecutive clean sheets. Sunday’s match is the fifth all-time meeting between the two Eastern Conference foes. Let’s look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Charlotte FC.
Carry over energy and momentum from midweek match into Sunday
After one of the more complete performances this season against Miami, the task for Atlanta United will be to repeat that same level of energy and play on Sunday at home against Charlotte. The team put up a season-high 26 shots in midweek action, eight of which were on target. Through the formation tweak by the coaching staff, Thiago Almada and Saba Lobjanidze found open spaces in between the lines and attacked Miami’s defense consistently. Brooks Lennon, who notched his team-leading fifth assist, and Caleb Wiley each got assists in their wingback roles. Atlanta’s defense was boosted as well with the return to the starting lineup from Derrick Williams. When Stian Gregersen and Williams start together in Atlanta’s backline, the team owns a 3-1-0 (W-L-T) record. If Atlanta can control the tempo and carry over that momentum into Sunday’s match with Charlotte, they will have a good chance to go into the upcoming international break with three points.
Be aware of the low block and counterattack from Charlotte
One of the hallmarks of first-year head coach Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC side this year has been their stout defense. They lead the league with seven clean sheets, including five in their last six matches played in MLS. Kristijan Kahlina has been stellar in goal making 50 saves and only allowing 16 goals in 16 matches played this season so far. The seven clean sheets he has earned this season have already tied his career-high for a single season with Charlotte FC. In front of him, Adilson Malanda is having a breakout season defensively. He leads the team in clearances (44) and ranks second in interceptions on the team with 15 this year. Charlotte is the only team that has yet to concede a goal in the first 30 minutes of any match this season.
Out of that defensive foundation, the team features some dangerous attackers who can hit you on the counterattack. Patrick Agyemang leads the line with three goals and two assists. Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada are two quick wingers that could cause problems in Atlanta’s defense. If the 5-Stripes can control the tempo and limit Charlotte’s counterattacking possibilities, they should have a good chance to secure a home victory.
Continue to be confident in the attack
Scoring three goals in midweek should breed confidence for Atlanta’s attack. Five players created three chances or more, and the team converted them into three goals. Thiare scored his fourth goal of the season and looked dangerous all night long. Even the players off the bench looked dangerous against Miami, as Edwin Mosquera and Giorgos Giakoumakis had a couple of opportunities late in the match. If Atlanta can continue to create that volume of chances and convert them, especially early, they can get this full-venue crowd behind them and secure three more points.
Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and FOX on Sunday afternoon at 4:45 pm ET when the action kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).
