ATL Standard

Atlanta United continues its road trip on Saturday night when they head to St. Louis for the first time in franchise history to take on St. Louis CITY SC. The 5-Stripes are coming off a 1-0 road victory at D.C. United in midweek, which gave the team two consecutive road victories. The hosts lost 3-0 at home against the Colorado Rapids and currently sit in 12th place in the Western Conference. Atlanta climbed up to ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings following the victory.

Another win on Saturday would be a significant boost of momentum for Atlanta as June nears its end. Here is an analysis of key factors for Atlanta's match against St. Louis CITY SC.

**Next man up mentality and being committed to each other**

Atlanta United’s roster for the current road trip looks different than the roster that began the season due to transfers, UEFA Euro 2024, Copa America, or injuries. The team has been receiving notable contributions from backup players. This mentality was evident in their match against D.C. United midweek, where homegrown center backs Efrain Morales and Noah Cobb started and played the full 90 minutes, helping secure a clean sheet. By the end of that match, five homegrown players were on the pitch to close out the victory.

This next man up mentality will be tested again on Saturday as Thiago Almada will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation. If Atlanta can continue to get strong performances from their depth players, they have a chance to secure three more road points in St. Louis.

**Don’t play into the strengths of St. Louis’ team**

St. Louis is aiming to replicate their inaugural campaign's success this season with a high-pressure style similar to New York Red Bulls'. This press can create turnovers in dangerous situations, capitalized by quality players like Brazilian striker Joao Klauss, who leads with five goals scored, and midfielder Eduard Löwen, tied for assists with three and leading in chances created (28).

If Atlanta can maintain possession under pressure and exploit gaps in St. Louis’ press through quick counter-attacks, they could achieve a positive result.

**Continue to play solid defense and limit St. Louis shooting chances**

Following a clean sheet at D.C. United, Atlanta aims to sustain their defensive momentum. Brad Guzan made four saves earning him a spot on MLS Team of Matchday 21 while Derrick Williams provided veteran stability alongside two Homegrowns.

A crucial aspect of Saturday’s game will be limiting St. Louis’ shooting opportunities; they rank first in total shots (309) and seventh in shots on target (99). Five of their 23 goals have come from corner kicks.

Fans can tune into MLS Season Pass on Apple TV Saturday night at 8:30 pm ET when action kicks off at CITYPARK in St. Louis, Mo., or listen via Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).

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