ATL Standard

Atlanta United is looking to capitalize on their recent success as they face FC Dallas this Saturday. The 5-Stripes enter the match after a significant 4-3 win over NYCFC, marked by three second-half goals. This weekend, they meet a strong FC Dallas team that has two consecutive wins and remains undefeated on the road after three games this year.

A key strategy for Atlanta will be to improve their defensive pressure, currently seen as an area needing improvement. The team aims to press opponents higher up the field to create scoring chances. Successfully turning defensive pressure into attacking opportunities could provide them with better positions to score.

Atlanta will also focus on disrupting Dallas's attacking plays and limiting set-pieces. The arrival of Lucho Acosta has strengthened Dallas's attack. Acosta, a challenging opponent for Atlanta since 2017, has already scored three goals this season. His partner, Petar Musa, has contributed with two goals and three assists. Atlanta's defense must tightly mark both players to prevent them from having time and space around the box.

In their previous match, Atlanta's attacking force came alive in the second half, showcasing their potential as they scored three unanswered goals against NYCFC. They aim to replicate this from the start against FC Dallas. With all three designated players scoring last week and Latte Lath becoming one of the top strikers in MLS with five goals in six games, creating scoring opportunities for him and his teammates will be crucial for securing three points on Saturday.