Atlanta United: With second half of season ahead, a midseason report card

With over a two week break due to the Gold Cup, Atlanta United is ready to get back in action for the second half of its season. How did the first half of the inaugural season go for the Five Stripes? We grade it:

On the Pitch: B+

Atlanta United finds themselves fourth overall in the Eastern Conference standings, sitting at 9-7-3 with 30 points. The Five Stripes are also riding a three game winning streak into the Gold Cup break. There will also be three players from United represented on the MLS All-Star team.

Offensively: A

They’ve scored the most goals of any MLS team and tied for the third-best goal differential in the league, due mainly to the plethora of goals. They’ve also had two players put up hat tricks and have done this with Josef Martinez out for much of the time.

Defensively: B-

They’re sitting right around where they should be with goals allowed, fourth, among Eastern Conference playoff teams. The Five Stripes have allowed two or more goals in nine games, and won just one of those. With Brad Guzan on his way, hopefully United can improve in this category.

Hype and Support: A+

Can’t ask for much more in this category. Atlanta United leads the league in attendance averaging 46,482 fans at each match. If they continue this pace it will be the highest average in MLS history. You could combine the Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas and Columbus Crew average attendance and United would still have them beat.

This has shown in The Five Stripes play as well, as they sit at 6-2-0 in the confines of Bobby Dodd. It seems like everywhere you turn in Atlanta you see a red and black flag flying.

The squad also purchased a billboard in Orlando that read, “Orlando, we’re coming to conquer.” Now, they just have to back it up on the pitch.

Overall: A-

Well in the playoff race, three all-stars and a sell out at every game has made for a first half that exceeded many expectations. There should be nothing but continued for success for the remainder of the season as Atlanta United resumes play on July 21st against Orlando City FC who’s sitting at fifth in the Eastern Conference.