Match Tools: How Atlanta United Continues Hot Streak Away at New England

Atlanta United travels to Foxborough on Wednesday night for their second meeting of the season with the New England Revolution. The 5-Stripes are coming off a 2-1 win over Toronto FC over the weekend, where Jamal Thiare secured all three points in the final seconds of the game. New England is playing its second straight home game and is looking to bounce back from a 5-1 home loss to Columbus Crew. With Saturday’s win, Atlanta moved into a tie for eighth in the Eastern Conference standings and sits just two points out of seventh place. New England has struggled this season and currently sits in 14th place heading into Wednesday night’s game. Let’s take a look at the tools of the game presented by Home Depot against New England Revolution.

Take advantage of scoring opportunities when they arise

Atlanta opens a two-game road trip this week with a trip to New England before traveling to Real Salt Lake next weekend. The team has been solid on the road in recent weeks with seven points in their last three road games. One of the keys to adding three more points to that tally will be efficiency in front of goal. When you’re on the road, you have to be clinical in front of the net when opportunities arise. Atlanta has done a good job of creating shots, with the team averaging 14.5 shots per 90 minutes this season. If they can be clinical in front of the net on Wednesday, the team will extend their current point streak on the road.

Don’t let New England regain confidence with an early goal

After a 5-1 home loss last weekend, New England coach Caleb Porter is looking for a response from his team Wednesday night. Coming into the Columbus game, New England had won four straight games, the team’s longest winning streak this season. The Revolution is once again led offensively by Carles Gil. The Spanish playmaker has five goals and six assists to lead the team in both categories. He also has a good record against Atlanta in his career, scoring four goals and adding four assists in nine previous games. Giacomo Vrioni is another dangerous attacker that Atlanta’s backline will have to deal with Wednesday. He has scored five goals on 18 shots on target. If Atlanta’s defense and midfield can get organized and limit Gil’s playmaking ability, the team will be in position to get another positive result at Gillette Stadium.

Take advantage of wing play and deliveries into the box from wide areas

One of Atlanta’s strengths this season has been its play on the wings and its opportunities to cross into the box. Brooks Lennon has always been one of the league’s best players in terms of successful crosses. But as a team, Atlanta ranks fourth in MLS with a successful cross percentage of 35.5% heading into Wednesday’s game. In the new formation that interim coach Rob Valentino has used with the fullbacks, Lennon and Caleb Wiley have been given the freedom to find those opportunities to cross on the flanks and break into the box at the far post to provide more numbers in the box for Atlanta’s attack. If the 5-Stripes can connect a few of those crosses and create quality scoring chances, they have a chance to take three more points.

Fans can tune in to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and FS1 Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET when the action kicks off at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. To listen to the action on the radio, tune in to Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).