Match Tools: How Atlanta builds on their midweek win this weekend against Charlotte FC

Atlanta United returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to close out a long run of matches since early May. They will host regional rivals Charlotte FC in front of a capacity crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta is coming off a big midweek win against Inter Miami CF as Saba Lobjanidze and Jamal Thiaré scored in the 3-1 victory in Fort Lauderdale. Four different players recorded assists as the team ended Miami’s 10-game unbeaten streak. Charlotte FC lost to the New York Red Bulls on the road by the same score, 3-1, in midweek. Prior to this match, Charlotte had recorded five consecutive clean sheets. Sunday’s game is the fifth all-time meeting between the two Eastern Conference foes. Let’s look at the tools of the match presented by Home Depot against Charlotte FC.

After one of the most complete performances this season against Miami, Atlanta United’s task will be to repeat that same level of energy and play Sunday at home against Charlotte. The team had a team-high 26 shots midweek, including eight on target. Thanks to formation adjustments made by the coaching staff, Thiago Almada and Saba Lobjanidze found open spaces between the lines and attacked Miami’s defense consistently. Brooks Lennon, who notched his team-leading fifth assist, and Caleb Wiley each had assists in their wing role. Atlanta’s defense was also bolstered with Derrick Williams returning to the starting lineup. When Stian Gregersen and Williams start together in Atlanta’s back line, the team is 3-1-0 (WLT). If Atlanta can control the pace and carry that momentum into Sunday’s match against Charlotte, they will have a good chance of heading into the upcoming international break with three points.

One of the hallmarks of the Charlotte FC team under first-year coach Dean Smith this year has been its strong defense. They lead the league with seven clean sheets, including five in their last six matches played in MLS. Kristijan Kahlina has been outstanding in his goalscoring, making 50 saves and allowing just 16 goals in 16 matches played this season so far. The seven clean sheets he has this season have already tied his career record for a single season with Charlotte FC. Opposite him, Adilson Malanda is having an exceptional season defensively. He leads the team in punts (44) and ranks second in interceptions on the team with 15 this year. Charlotte is the only team yet to concede a goal in the first 30 minutes of a game this season.

On this defensive basis, the team has dangerous attackers who can hit you on the counterattack. Patrick Agyemang leads the line with three goals and two assists. Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada are two speedy wingers who could cause problems for Atlanta’s defense. If the 5-cushion can control the tempo and limit Charlotte’s counterattack opportunities, they should have a good chance of securing a home victory.

Scoring three goals in midweek should boost the confidence of Atlanta’s attack. Five players created three or more chances and the team converted them into three goals. Thiare scored his fourth goal of the season and was dangerous all evening. Even the players off the bench looked dangerous against Miami, as Edwin Mosquera and Giorgos Giakoumakis had a few chances late in the game. If Atlanta can continue to create this volume of chances and convert them, especially early, they can get this whole crowd behind them and get three more points.

Fans can catch MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and FOX Sunday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. ET when the action begins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. To hear the action on the radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).