Atlanta United: A Blustery Win in Blustery Weather

Atlanta United FC dispatched Minnesota 6-1 Sunday in incredibly difficult weather conditions. In doing so, they proved they belong in Major League Soccer.

Everyone was worried. The consensus question was: “How in the world are they going to play in this?”. You would have to be a loon to play soccer in that weather. To everyone’s surprise, Atlanta United FC snowboarded their way to a 6-1 defeat of the “Loons” of Minnesota United FC, and established their place in MLS.

Most had an idea that Atlanta United was a little ahead of Minnesota United in their first year incarnation. After only one game played, it seemed fairly obvious. But with the game starting temperature of 28 degrees, and a picture on the television that looked like snow scattered Sherpas in the Nepalese mountains playing soccer, rather MLS players, Atlanta fans wondered how it would end.

Those concerns, unlike the frozen precipitation, melted away quickly. Josef Martinez started Atlanta’s scoring party in the third minute, with a nifty 1-2 from Miguel Almirón, and it didn’t stop. Despite having to stop play a couple of times to snow-blow the field, ATL UTD continued to conquer the weather and the Loons.

When one drills down into the stats, one starts to get the look of this Atlanta team. Five of Atlanta’s six goals were scored by forwards Martinez and Almirón, who look to be the fast-breaking, fly-foward front that Atlanta fans thought they were. Coupled with the continued good play of the back defenders, ATL UTD looks to be a complete team.

More from ATL All Day

• Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
• Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
• Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
• Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
• Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up

Specifically, according to ATLUTD.com, both Minnesota and Atlanta were mostly equal with regards to overall passing accuracy and duels won. In fact, Minnesota had more shots on goal and corners. Time of possession was nearly identical. But ATL UTD was more accurate in crosses, led in saves (5-2), and led in clearances (29-8).

Two games into the season, and the picture is forming of an Atlanta team that has flyers and scorers up top and defenders who can compact and defend. All signs of a promising season, and from an expansion franchise in their first season.

To be sure, Minnesota is playing like an expansion franchise usually plays, regardless of sport. They will get better. Atlanta, though, answered questions on Sunday. Can they finish a game? Yes. Can they best a team they are favored to beat? Affirmative. Can they win in weather? Absolutely.

This 2017 Atlanta United team looks to be ready to compete and to do so with great fanfare. The city of Atlanta has rallied, and United looks ready to rock-n-roll. Yes, there will be bumps and bruises on the way. But “The 5 Stripes” look ready to strike. In fact, they look ready to strike and defend. Even in a blizzard.

Next: Atlanta United FC: Time to Pay Attention

Everyone has been talking about the nor’easter that is blowing in. Minnesota is still wondering about that south’easter that just came through.