ATL Standard

Atlanta United returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium this week for two league matches. On Wednesday, the 5-Stripes will try to turn around their current losing streak when they welcome New York City FC to Atlanta. Four of the team’s six victories this season have come at home, and Atlanta will look to add another two this week. Historically, Atlanta owns a 3-1-3 (W-L-T) record at home against NYCFC in league matches. Currently, the 5-Stripes are a couple of points below the playoff line. Wednesday’s opponent from New York sits in fifth place and is just one point from the top four in the Eastern Conference.

“Control the tempo and put shots on target,” said an insider discussing strategies against New York City FC. Coming off a tough offensive performance in Montreal over the weekend, Atlanta needs to regroup on offense and show a response on Wednesday. The team continues to rank among the league’s top-10 teams in terms of shots on target per 90 minutes at 14.6 (5th in MLS), and they will need to attack early and often to put NYCFC under pressure from the start. Controlling the tempo in midfield and utilizing speedy wingers to create scoring opportunities could lead to a positive result for Atlanta.

“Contain Santiago Rodriguez and diverse New York attack,” emphasized another source familiar with NYCFC's gameplay. When analyzing NYCFC this season, everything in their attack starts with playmaker Santiago Rodriguez. The Uruguayan midfielder has already surpassed his career-high for goals with eight this season and added seven assists, which ties him for the team lead. He’s described as “a crafty attacking midfielder who can pick apart any defense if given time and space.” Atlanta’s midfield and backline will need to be aware of his movements all over the pitch and close down passing attempts into their attack.

In addition, NYCFC features several other players who benefit from Rodriguez’s passes. Hannes Wolf has been lively in his first season in MLS with four goals and seven assists, while Alonso Martinez is tied with Rodriguez for the team lead with eight goals. Atlanta’s defense will need to perform at its best to secure three points.

Another key focus is for Atlanta United to “continue to tackle well and get crowd behind you.” One of Atlanta’s strengths this season has been tackles won; they enter this week ranked seventh in MLS with 248 tackles won so far this season. Timely and correct tackles are essential to stopping NYCFC's attack, igniting support from fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium—an environment known as one of the toughest places to play when fully energized by supporters.

Fans can tune into MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm ET when action kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. To hear live commentary on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).