Atlanta United is trying to pick up right where they left off before the international break, when they won back-to-back games, scoring seven goals along the way. But to do that they’ll have to go on the road in the brutal cold of Minneapolis to face fellow 2017 expansion side Minnesota United. The Five Stripes, of course, got their first win ever in an unforgettable six-goal performance in snowy Minnesota last year, but the Loons were able to get a win of their own at Mercedes-Benz Stadium later a few months later, the only time the red, black and gold were beaten there in the regular season. Both teams will be desperate to win the rubber match to take the lead in the series between the two teams; here’s what Atlanta United fans can expect out of their opponent this weekend.
Danladi on the Break
Abu Danladi finished in second place in the 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year vote behind Atlanta United’s own Julian Gressel. But the first overall pick in last year’s SuperDraft was a crucial part of Minnesota’s win in Atlanta last season, putting an unstoppable finish into the Atlanta United net to kick off the scoring. While he has been sharing time with fellow striker Christian Ramirez, Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath has opted for Danladi’s speed to start in the past two meetings between the teams. While Ramirez may be more experienced, you can’t teach quickness, and Minnesota leans on Danladi and his fellow forwards to get out on the break against teams that push too many players forward. Atlanta United’s #1 Brad Guzan will be back in goal this time around, but Atlanta United’s defenders will have to be wary of Danladi’s speed in the attacking third.
Lampson in Net
While Bobby Shuttleworth was one of Minnesota United’s standout players last season in goal, the team opted to bring in Matt Lampson to start between the goalposts in 2018. Lampson was sensational in the preseason meeting between these two teams, racking up save after save to keep the score level at half time. Atlanta United can be happy with the chances they created in the last preseason matchup, but will have to be efficient with their finishing when they get their opportunities in the attacking third. The Five Stripes have been much more clinical in their last two matches, and will be hoping to continue that goal-scoring form this weekend in Minneapolis.
A Familiar Fullback Face
Atlanta United fans will surely recognize the face lining up at right back for Minnesota United this weekend. Tyrone Mears, a member of the Five Stripes’ inaugural season, was brought in to fill in their fullback needs over the offseason. Mears still has plenty of the quality that caught Atlanta United’s technical staff’s eyes a year ago, and is particularly skilled at serving dangerous balls from play and set pieces. But at 34 years old, he may leave space behind him that he can’t make up if the English defender ventures to far forward. Atlanta United’s electric counter-attack will need no second invitation to try and take advantage of an exposed back line, but they need to limit his time on the ball to prevent dangerous crosses coming into the box, both in open play and on set pieces.
Follow Along
This weekend’s match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 31st, and will be broadcast on Fox Sports South. Click here for everything you need to know about how to follow along from home.
