Match tools: How Atlanta United earned three points in 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 loss at New England on Wednesday and will be looking to get back to winning ways away from home this weekend. Saturday’s opponents, Real Salt Lake, have been on a hot streak this season as they currently sit second in the Western Conference, tied on points with LAFC and the LA Galaxy at the top of the standings. Salt Lake is coming off a 3-2 midweek win over Houston in a game that could have featured several more goals. Atlanta dominated the second half against New England, but were unable to score early enough in the half to mount a comeback. Let’s take a look at the tools of the game that Home Depot showcased against Real Salt Lake.

One of the areas Atlanta has focused on this summer has been executing in both boxes and being more clinical with their chances. The team continues to create plenty of chances, with the team’s expected goals ranked in the top five for most of the season. They did find an injury-time goal against New England, but it was too little, too late. They need to take their chances against a tough Salt Lake defense that has conceded just 25 goals in 21 games this season.

Conversely, Atlanta will need to be sharp in its own defensive zone on Saturday night. Salt Lake has several dangerous forwards and will be a good test for Atlanta’s back line that has been solid for most of the campaign. If they can execute in both zones and win those one-on-one battles, the 5-Stripes can come away with a positive result on Saturday.

Cristian “Chicho” Arango is having an MVP-worthy season for Real Salt Lake this year. The forward leads MLS in goals scored (16) and goal contributions (27) heading into this weekend. After shining a few seasons ago for LAFC, Arango returned to the league and picked up where he left off and has significantly improved Salt Lake’s offense. He has scored 22 goals in 32 total games played for RSL. Atlanta’s defense will need to keep all eyes on Arango to ensure he doesn’t get many quality scoring opportunities on Saturday night. That includes trying to limit Arango’s supply of players like Andres Gomez and Diego Luna who both have nine assists this season. With a fluid offense like Salt Lake’s, Atlanta’s defensive communication will need to be on point Saturday in order to pick up more points on the road.

It’s no secret that Atlanta has had some big departures in recent weeks and is missing a few designated players. With the MLS secondary transfer window not opening until July 18, these upcoming games present an opportunity for other players to step up and carry the load. Forward Daniel Ríos did a good job up front, scoring his fourth goal of the season against New England after joining the team late in preseason. Saba Lobjanidze is back after helping Georgia qualify for the UEFA Euro 2024 knockout stage. He’ll be counted on up front and looking to pick up where he left off before the Euros, when he scored two away goals in Miami. Atlanta needs to find ways to create scoring chances in a way that they did earlier this season. If other players step up and can contribute offensively, Atlanta has a chance to beat one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

Fans can watch the game on Apple TV with the MLS Season Pass on Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. ET at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. To listen to the action on the radio, tune in to Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).