5 Things to Know About Atlanta United

In this edition of Oppo Research, The Blue of the Hudson River speak with Rob Usry of Five-Cushion Final to learn more about Atlanta United, New York City FCs opponent for the second time this season on Wednesday. Here’s your NYCFC vs Atlanta match preview.

1. Atlanta is in decline

HRB: Atlanta has lost four straight games, including a loss to USL champion team Indy Eleven in US Cup Quarterfinals. Atlanta is 11th in the Eastern Conference but remains two points out of a playoff spot. What is the mood in Peach State this season?

Rob Usry: Things have changed a lot since the last time our two teams met at the start of the season. Bad luck has resulted in a series of performances that can only be described as devastating. An avalanche of injuries and poor results have inevitably cost Gonzalo Pineda (the former head coach) his job.

On top of that, the management made the bold decision to sell the team’s two best players, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Thiago Almada, leaving the team in shambles until the summer transfer window opens. Needless to say, the mood is at an all-time high, as every game feels like Bill Murray waking up to the same song in Groundhog Day.

2. No Almada + Giakoumakis = problems

HRB: Atlanta lost their two major scorers, Almada (six goals, one assist) and Giakoumakis (five goals, one assist). How does the departure of two key offensive players affect Atlanta?

FR: Very bad! That’s the harsh truth. Saba Lobjanidze is their most dangerous striker but lately it seems like he’s imposing himself in the final third of the pitch. It’s a depressing state for the club and the attack reflects the general mood.

3. Home advantage is fading

HRB: NYCFC has historically struggled at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with just one win, and that was on Decision Day in 2022. How will Atlanta use home-field advantage against NYCFC on Wednesday?

FR: I’m not sure home advantage is really a thing these days. Attendances have been dropping steadily and this game coincidentally comes just after the club announced a season ticket increase at the wrong time. It could be one of the worst attendances in the club’s history.

Rob Valentino has taken over the reins of the game on an interim basis and has taken a very pragmatic approach. I expect NYCFC to have a lot more possession than usual in a game at the Benz. It’s just a matter of them taking their chances and blocking Atlanta’s transition moments.

4. The X Factor: Brad Guzan

HRB: What is the X factor that could decide this match?

FR: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s Brad Guzan. Many have written him off and called for his time as the number one goalie to end. But he just delivered one of the best performances in years for CF Montreal. If Atlanta wants to have a chance at getting a result in this game, they’re going to have to see him play his heart out and pray that a goal can be found from somewhere.

5. Predicted score, starting eleven

HRB: Prediction time: starting lineup? Final score?

FR: 1-0 NYCFC.