Atlanta United FC: Five Stripes Head to Portland to End Losing Streak
By W. M. Lawson
Atlanta United FC head to Portland with the hopes of ending a two game slide. This match will feature scoring, some scoring, and more scoring.
The feeling in and around Atlanta regarding their beloved sports teams hasn’t been exactly ebullient these last few weeks. The Braves have struggled. The Hawks’ starting five lost to John Wall and Bradley Beal in the playoffs. The Falcons…well, I still can’t think about that some days. Atlanta United FC has been a bright spot.
That is not to say that ATL UTD hasn’t hit some rough times. In fact, after a blistering start, using a frenetic pace to bombard opposing teams, adversity kicked in. Josef Martinez, their top scorer, was lost to injury, and a majority of their games have been played on the road.
Not easy for a first year expansion franchise.
Yes, the schedule and grind of a full MLS season has affected this team. Reality is that, like most sports, after enough time, teams start to “figure you out”. That is likely one of the reasons Atlanta United FC find themselves riding a two game slide.
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And now they head to Portland to face a Timbers team that has also faced a recent regression. This match in Portland should be a fun and interesting one, regardless of which team wins.
Both have struggled recently, but both are the top two teams in goals scored this season. Couple that with ATL’s inability to get back on defense in transition recently (6 goals given up in last 2 games), and Portland’s recent struggle in goal ( goalkeeper Jeff Attinella has conceded 5 goals in last 3 games), and we might see some fireworks.
In addition, and not to be discounted, Yamil Asad returns after a one game suspension. He will, and usually does, help the Atlanta United FC effort.
Today’s match at 4 PM could wind up being an important one for ATL UTD. A road win against an explosive team would end the franchise’s first losing streak. It would also offer a long sought after and much-needed three points.
A loss and the quiet questions of being “overly aggressive” may bubble to a murmur.
Either way, it should be a fun one. Maybe they can win one for all the moms in Atlanta. And shout out to all the mothers out there. Shout to my Mom.
Next: Atlanta Braves: The Plan Is Working
Happy Mother’s Day, y’all. And go ATL UTD! Time to #UniteANDConquer.