Atlanta United
Recent Matches
Atlanta United is 3-4-2 in their nine matches played this season. They started off the season hot, earning huge victories against Minnesota United and the Chicago Fire. But they’ve won just one of their last five, and were handed defeats in the last two weeks by D.C United and New York City FC.
Offense
Atlanta United has created a solid goal scoring line-up this season. They’ve scored in all but one of their nine matches. Josef Martinez has scored five goals so far this season, and his teammate Victor Villalba is close behind him with four goals. Miguel Almiron and Yamil Asad, who have each scored two goals of their own, have earned four and three assists respectively so far this year.
Defense
Atlanta United’s defense has struggled, especially in recent weeks. They lost to both D.C United and New York City FC 3-1. They’ve earned just two shutouts, including one scoreless draw against the Seattle Sounders. While Atlanta United’s offense has only gone one game without scoring, their defense has only gone two without being scored on.
Injuries
Josef Martinez, the team’s top goal scorer, has missed Atlanta’s last six matches with a left quad injury that he suffered during a call-up with the Venezuelan National Team. He is expected to return in the coming weeks. Jacob Peterson is also out with an injury to the lower part of his right leg. Jeff Larentowicz is questionable due to a concussion.
Summary
Atlanta United started off hot, but now they are starting to get a taste of what it takes to win in MLS. They have struggled to win recently, and having their top goal scorer out due to injury hasn’t helped. The team seems to have found some rhythm on offense-- but it will take some defensive polish to earn consistent resulsts.
Minnesota United
Recent Matches
Minnesota United is still finding their footing, but unlike Atlanta United, the Loons have improved since the start of their season. The opening two games for Minnesota United were difficult to watch-- a 5-1 defeat from the Portland Timbers and a 6-1 defeat from Atlanta United in their home opener. But Minnesota is 3-5-2 in ten games played, and 2-2-1 in their last five matches.
Offense
Minnesota United has only held without a goal in two matches this season, but some would argue that the goals scored in some of their losses were too little, too late. Still, Christian Ramirez has six goals on the season, just one less than the MLS top goal scorers CJ Sapong and Erick Torres. Kevin Molino, who has three goals this season, leads the team in assists with three.
Defense
At the start of the season, Minnesota United’s defense was one of the worst in the league. Allowing a total of 11 goals in the team’s first two matches, it seemed like a difficult season was ahead for the Loons. But the backline has seen a significant improvement of late, earning two shutouts in their last five matches. The team still certainly has a long way to go-- averaging 2.3 goals scored on them per match-- but there are signs of life, which is more than could be said in week two.
Injuries
Midfielder Bernardo Anor is currently out due to an injury to the lower part of his left leg. Defender Marc Burch and Midfielder Rasmus Schuller are both questionable with hip injuries, and Midfielder Collin Martin is questionable with an injury to his right thigh.
Summary
Minnesota United is at almost the exact same record as their fellow expansion team-- the Loons have one more loss, but they’ve also played one more match. But unlike Atlanta, who started the season off hot, Minnesota started off the year with some horrible losses. While it appears that Atlanta is losing steam, it appears that Minnesota is starting to gain it. The Loons are finding rhythm and chemistry, and learning what it takes to be successful in the league.
