After a two week break in the schedule, Atlanta United returns to action Tuesday night.
The club continues to lead Major League Soccer in attendance. But on the field, the team has been plagued with injuries and inconsistent play.
Atlanta United’s training room, where injury rehab takes place, has been crowded this year.
“There’s a group of us that are keeping the vibes and the positive energy at extremely high levels,” said veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan. He along with midfielder Ozzie Alonso and defender Miles Robinson have all been out of action after undergoing surgery.
“Ozzie and I are crushing it. Miles not quite into the gym yet, but we’re getting ready to welcome him in there out of the treatment room,” said Guzan.
And then there’s star forward Josef Martinez, who has appeared in only two matches in the last two months after recovering from a surgery of his own.
But Felipe Cárdenas, who covers the MLS and international soccer for The Athletic, says the club’s problems go deeper.
“Even when they were healthy, I really felt like Atlanta United was still searching for an identity, like who they are, how they want to play,” he said.
This inconsistency has left the club in 10th place in the conference standings. Even if the results aren’t showing it, Cárdenas says, it appears the club is responding to Gonzalo Pineda’s coaching style.
“He does have the makings for a successful coach in the MLS, it’s just that he may need more time than some of his predecessors had,” said Cárdenas
Ever since Atlanta won the MLS title in 2018, fans have come to expect a championship contender each year.
Cárdenas says this year, a realistic goal would be a top four spot in the conference, guaranteeing a home playoff match.
“That fourth spot I think would allow a team like Atlanta United that on a good day, can really trouble any team,” he said. “If they can get a home playoff match in front of this crowd here in Atlanta and really have that momentum, then they can probably make some noise in the playoffs”
Atlanta United plays an international friendly Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, before resuming league play Sunday afternoon against Inter Miami.
