Tools to the Match: How Atlanta United collects three points from rare trip to Utah
For just the third time in club history, Atlanta United travels to the state of Utah to take on Real Salt Lake. The 5-Stripes are coming off a tough 2-1 defeat at New England on Wednesday and will look to get back to winning ways on the road this weekend. Saturday’s opponents, Real Salt Lake, have had a great run of form this season as they currently sit in second place in the Western Conference, tied on points with LA Galaxy . Salt Lake is coming off a wild 3-2 victory in midweek against Houston in a match that could have featured several more goals. Atlanta dominated the second half against New England, but wasn’t able to find a goal early enough in the half to mount a comeback. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Real Salt Lake.
Execute in both boxes
One of the areas of focus this summer for Atlanta has been to execute in both boxes and be more clinical with itschances. The team continues to create high volume chances, with the team’s expected goals ranking in the top-5 for most of the season. Atlantafound a goal in stoppage time against New England but it was too little too late. Itneeds to take itschances against a tough Salt Lake defense that has only conceded 25 goals in 21 matches this season.
Conversely, Atlanta needs to be sharp in itsown defensive box on Saturday night. Salt Lake features several dangerous attackers and will be a good test for Atlanta’s backline which has been solid for most of the campaign. If they can execute in both boxes and win those individual battles, the 5-Stripes can come away with a positive result on Saturday.
Don’t allow Cristian Arango to take over the match
Cristian “Chicho” Arango is having an MVP-caliber season for Real Salt Lake this year. The attacker leads MLS in goals scored (16) and goal contributions (27) coming into this weekend. After shining a couple of seasons ago for LAFC, Arango has come back to the league and picked up right where he left off and improved Salt Lake’s attack dramatically. He has scored 22 goals in 32 games played total for RSL. Atlanta’s defense will need to have all eyes on Arango to ensure he doesn’t get many quality scoring chances on Saturday night. That includes trying to limit the supply to Arango from the likes of Andres Gomez and Diego Luna who both have nine assists this season. With a free-flowing attack like Salt Lake’s attack, Atlanta’s defensive communication will need to be on point Saturday in order to collect more road points.
Time for supporting cast to step up
It’s no secret that Atlanta has had some key departures the past few weeks.. With the MLS Secondary Transfer Window not opening until July 18, these next few matches provide an opportunity for other players to step up and carry the load. Striker Daniel Ríos has done a good job of helping in attack, scoring his fourth goal of the season against New England after joining late in preseason. Saba Lobjanidze has returned after helping Georgia advance to the knockout stage of UEFA Euro 2024. He will be counted on in the attack and will look to pick up where he left off before the Euro Championship, when he scored two goals on the road at Miami. . If other players step up and can contribute in the attack, Atlanta has a chance to beat one of the top Western Conference teams.
Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Saturday night at 9:30 pm ET when the action kicks off at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).
