Atlanta United returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday afternoon looking to reverse its recent fortunes against Nashville SC. The 5-Stripes have just nine points from 10 matches on the season. They sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference coming into this weekend. With two consecutive road matches on the horizon, Saturday’s home match could provide the momentum change and springboard into those matches. Nashville is coming off its most impressive performance of the season, dismantling Chicago Fire by a 7-2 scoreline at home. They sit in sixth place in the standings and are looking to make a push for the top four as we begin a busy month of May. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Nashville SC.
Score early to build confidence
One of the easiest ways to gain confidence in soccer is by scoring goals. Atlanta’s attack should be bolstered this weekend by the return of Latte Lath. The Ivory Coast international leads the team with five goals scored. He’s been relatively efficient as well, needing only 12 shots on target to score those five goals. The 5-Stripes have to find more ways to get Latte Lath the ball in and around the box where he is most dangerous.
An early goal would do this team a world of good as well. Only two of Atlanta’s 11 goals this season have come in the first 30 minutes of matches. Playing with the lead is something this team needs to do on Saturday in order to collect all three points at home.
Stop the Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge connection
Nashville bounced back from a road defeat in convincing fashion last week when it defeated Chicago with a 7-2 scoreline. Striker Sam Surridge scored four goals in the match, earning him MLS Player of the Matchday. His running mate in attack, German-born Hany Mukhtar, tallied two goals and one assist in the victory. The duo has now combined for 10 of Nashville’s 19 goals on the season. Atlanta’s number one priority on defense has to be to stop these two attackers from getting clear-cut chances on Saturday afternoon.
Mukhtar, especially, has been a thorn in Atlanta’s side ever since he joined Nashville. The attacking midfielder and former MVP has scored seven goals and added six assists in 11 all-time league appearances against Atlanta. The 5-Stripes have to be sound defensively to give themselves the best chance at a victory this weekend.
Go all in from the opening whistle
As we enter Matchday 11, Atlanta is still looking to play a complete match this season. The team has had several matches with good stretches of play, especially at home, but hasn’t been able to capitalize on those good stretches enough. Now it’s time to go all in and put opponents on the back foot from the opening whistle, especially at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the 17s at their back cheering them on this Saturday, now is the time to come together as a club and help lift the players through this rough stretch. One goal, one win can turn the momentum of the season. Saturday is the next chance for Atlanta United to turn that momentum around with three big points at home.
Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and FOX/FOX Deportes on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. 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).
