With six points under their belt after two electric games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United is going back on the road to face Toronto FC. They look to build on the momentum gained during the two wins – a dominant 4-1 victory over New England Revolution and a professional 2-0 win over fellow Southern rival, Orlando City SC.
Both of those wins were due in large part to the imposing presence of striker Giorgos Giakoumakis. But Giakoumakis, along with five other Atlanta United players (Luis Abram, Thiago Almada, Ajani Fortune, Bartosz Slisz and Caleb Wiley), will not be participating in the match against Toronto because of national team callups during the Match FIFA international window.
Despite the changes that will come to the starting XI because of said callups, the rest of the squad is ready to make the necessary adjustments to get a road win. Carrying the good fortune the 5-Stripes receive at home to away matches has been a goal set by the team for this season. Taking some time after Thursday training, head coach Gonzalo Pineda and midfielder Tristan Muyumba spoke to local media about important elements they hope to implement in Toronto.
New face in town looks to help the team
Though Daniel Ríos is a new face on the roster, the player may be one that 17s have seen before. He previously played against Atlanta United while he was on Charlotte FC and Nashville SC. Ríos joins the 5-Stripes on loan from CD Guadalajara. Rios played with another 2024 roster addition, Dax McCarty, at Nashville SC from 2020 through 2022.
Ríos is confident in his ability to contribute to the team. Whether it be as soon as Saturday or later down the road in other matches.
“The main goal is to win the championship. Have a great season individually and for the club. Score goals and win games,” Rios said during Thursday’s media session. “The other teams watch us play. They know they should be careful when they play against us.”
Ríos says he hopes to bring good touches and a knack for finishing to Atlanta United.
Whether they are at home or on the road, the game plan stays
Atlanta United’s identity continues to be one revolving around fast attacking squad. It was on full display at the two games played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Keeping that level of energy and patience is something the group wants to carry on even when they are not playing in familiar territory.
For Tristian Muyumba, the key is sticking to a solid game plan, and not letting the moment overwhelm them.
“We try to keep our identity when we play away or at home,” said Muyumba. “We want to dictate our style of play. I think that is the most important. We won two games at home, now it is a good fight for us to go away."
As a veteran, making his professional debut in 2017 in the Coupe de France, Muyumba has seen it all when it comes to the game, but this trip will be new for some of the players traveling with the team. Specifically, Atlanta United 2 regulars getting a chance to play with the first team. Much like how Muyumba says the club needs to keep things simple to pull out a victory against Toronto, the advice he would give the young players is in the same vein.
“It is a good opportunity for them to be with the first team, and to travel with the first team. It is an opportunity to bring more experience for them,” said Muyumba. “The best advice I can give them is be yourself. If you are there, it is because you got some (good) qualities. So, stay yourself.”
Pineda also expressed wanting to stay with the game plan they have been working towards since the offseason. Regardless of who is on the field, Pineda wants them to have the same precision and consistency throughout.
“We have been working this year a lot on us,” said Pineda. “Regardless of who we play, we are trying to play the same way. It would be unfair for me to change the system now because we have some absences. We have been training in the same system and we will go from there.”
There are multiple circumstances for the 5-Stripes to consider this weekend. The weather, in which Pineda said could be a good thing as “when it is cold, you have a bit more energy”, as well as managing the game with players missing. But the message was the same throughout the week building up to the Saturday match – the squad has the ability to win as long as everyone is on the same page.
