Match Tools: How Atlanta United secures a home win against DC United

Atlanta United is back at home on Saturday night as the 5-Stripes host DC United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This is the fourth home game in the last five games and Atlanta is looking to build momentum during a busy May. With two away matches coming up next week, three points on Saturday would provide a big confidence boost to the team. Coming off a 3-0 win at the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup midweek, the team will look to click on both ends to earn all three points. DC United enters the game just one spot ahead of Atlanta in the Eastern Conference standings. The team from the nation’s capital is coming off a 2-2 draw at home against the Philadelphia Union and has yet to win an away game this season. Let’s take a look at the tools of the match presented by Home Depot against DC United.

Finishing off chances when they present themselves in front of goal

There’s no denying that Atlanta is creating quality scoring opportunities in almost every game this year. The team ranks fourth in expected goals (xG) with 22.3 this weekend. Over the last four matches, the team’s xG stands at 8.6, which is the second highest in MLS over that span. One thing the team needs to continue to work on is finishing off those quality scoring opportunities. The 5 bands scored 14 goals, which remains fifth in the Eastern Conference. With Atlanta’s front four getting healthier, the hope is that the goals will start to flow during a busy May stretch. Atlanta’s home scoring record continues to be exceptional at 60-1-12 (WLT). If Atlanta can end their chances, especially early in the game, it would be a big step towards securing all three points on Saturday.

All eyes on Christian Benteke for Atlanta defense

DC United comes into Saturday with 14 points from 11 matches so far this season. After two defeats in early April, the team bounced back to take four points from consecutive home matches. He has yet to win on the road this year, but has four draws on his travels. Many of those draws came thanks to the attacking prowess of main striker Christian Benteke. The Belgium international has enjoyed an excellent career, spending a decade in the Premier League with teams like Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace. His experience and finishing skills have been on full display in 2024. After scoring 14 goals in 31 matches last year, the striker has already scored eight goals in nine matches this season. Atlanta’s backline will have its hands full with one of the most dangerous and in-form forwards in the league on Saturday.

Stopping Benteke will be one of the big keys defensively. No other DC United player has scored more than once this season. If Atlanta’s defense and midfield can contain Benteke and not allow him as many serves from wide areas or in the midfield, then the 5-stripe will be in a good position to pull out a victory.

Overload the flanks and deliver quality crosses into the box

One of the hallmarks of Atlanta’s offense this season has been overloading on the wings. Whether on the right side with Saba Lobjanidze and Brooks Lennon, or on the left side with Edwin Mosquera and Caleb Wiley, Atlanta managed to get past defenders and cross into the box. The team ranks first in MLS with 62 successful crosses this season, the second highest team has 48 this weekend. Midweek, all three of Atlanta’s Open Cup goals came from wide areas. Getting into these Primary Assistance Zones (PAZ) has been a priority since the arrival of this coaching staff. Giving crosses in the air to Giorgos Giakoumakis or looking for the cutback pass at the top of the box for late runners like Thiago Almada or Tristan Muyumba could prove to be the deciding factor on Saturday.

Fans can tune into MLS Season Pass on Apple TV Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET when the action begins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. To hear the action on the radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).