Following a heartbreaking defeat against Inter Miami, Atlanta United return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium looking to defeat Charlotte FC a second time this season.
Matchday 12 Preview: Charlotte FC
Charlotte enters Matchday 12 in mixed form. They sit 12th in the Eastern Conference (12 points) with just three wins this season. Two of those three wins have come in their last three matches. They have also achieved two wins in the U.S. Open Cup totaling four wins in their last five matches.
Despite a recent resurgence, the same issue lingers for Charlotte – defending. They have conceded 21 goals this season, 1.9 goals per game, and 2.4 goals in away matches. Unsurprisingly they have managed only one clean sheet this season.
Scoring is not a strength for Charlotte either. In 11 matches, they managed 13 goals and were shut out three times. When they scored, Charlotte fared well. They only lost two matches they scored in but lost each of the three matches they were held without a goal.
Despite not doing much with it, Charlotte has frequently controlled possession in matches. They average 53.6% possession in matches. In the first meeting between the teams, Charlotte finished with 56% possession.
Charlotte will be pulling double duty this week following a U.S. Open Cup victory in the midweek.
Offensive struggles and a leaky defense are also the current M.O. of Atlanta United. Success for Charlotte will come from exploiting the Atlanta defense or capitalizing on a mistake they have proven capable of in recent weeks.
Atlanta United
Last week ended in angst for Atlanta United. After a strong start to the season, they endured their third straight loss, second in the league. Adding insult to injury was the fashion in which they lost. Former Five Stripes talisman Josef Martinez scored both goals for Inter Miami. The goals were his first and second of the season.
Despite the recent period of poor form, Atlanta United sits 4th in the Eastern Conference (18 points) and equal on points with 3rd place Nashville SC.
As previously mentioned, Atlanta has struggled offensively in the absence of Giorgos Giakoumakis. He missed the previous two matches after aggravating a hamstring injury. His hiatus may be set to end as he joined training this week. His presence will be appreciated given the lackluster performances of Machop Chol and Miguel Berry.
The midfield is also due to receive reinforcements. Franco Ibarra trained this week after being in concussion protocol last week. Before that, Gonzalo Pineda said he was being cautious with Ibarra and a lingering lower leg injury. After entering the last match as a substitute, Luiz Araujo was also in full training.
With each player healthy, the Atlanta backline has remained consistent. The surprise of last week was Quentin Westberg’s return from injury and inclusion in the lineup. His distribution ability was the explanation. Distribution was the focus of an Instagram story posted by Clement Diop this week. In Brad Guzan’s absence, who returned to training this week, Clement Diop has arguably been the better keeper and should be in line for a return to the lineup.
Atlanta has struggled recently, but much of their struggle has been on the road. Mercedes-Benz stadium has been a fortress with Atlanta yet to lose at home in addition to a sole draw. They have scored 1.82 goals and conceded 0.80 goals at home compared to 1.50 goals scored and 2.33 conceded on the road.
The first meeting of these teams ended in a 3-0 victory for Atlanta. Caleb Wiley was on the scoresheet twice that day and will be in good spirits heading into this match.
Wiley was announced as a member of the roster for the U-20 World Cup set to take place this summer. Group stage matches will begin May 20 with the final set to be held June 11. After the Charlotte match, Wiley is expected to join the USYNT camp.
The first and last 15 minutes of the match and halves will be crucial for both sides. Atlanta United will hope to begin quickly as they did in the first match against Charlotte, scoring two goals in that period, and have done this season. They will also need to remain rigid at the back and not leak goals late.
The blossoming health of the squad and consistent positive performances at home should see Atlanta United receive at least a point from this match but likely a victory.
Atlanta United (5-3-3) vs Charlotte FC (3-3-5)
- When: May 13th, 7:30 EST
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- How to Watch: MLS Season Pass – Apple TV+
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