The 5-Stripes are back at home this holiday weekend as they take on FC Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday Night Soccer, the league’s showcase match of the weekend. Atlanta is looking to bounce back from a 1-0 loss last weekend against Philadelphia Union at home. Cincinnati is unbeaten in itslast three regular season matches after securing a 1-1 road draw at Columbus last time out. Historically, this has been a pretty even matchup with the record in MLS matches sitting at 5-4-6 (W-L-T) in favor of the 5-Stripes. Earlier this season, the teams played to a 2-2 draw at TQL Stadium, with that match occurring during an international break and lineups looking very different than what we expect to see on Sunday. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against FC Cincinnati.
Be clinical in front of goal, especially early on
One of Atlanta’s struggles this season has been finding the back of the net early on in matches. Only three of Atlanta’s 14 goals this season have come in the first 30 minutes of matches. For many of the matches, especially at home, this season, Atlanta has played well and been on the front foot in the opening half hour of matches. But it has failed to convert that dominance into goals to put opposing teams under pressure.
On Sunday, against one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, the 5-Stripes have to be clinical in front of goal. Cincinnati’s defense has only conceded 15 goals in 14 matches so far this season. There could only be a few clear-cut chances to score, so Atlanta’s attackers have to be clinical when they present themselves. The team needs to do a better job of rewarding good spells of play with goals.
Close down the middle of the pitch
Cincinnati sits second in the Eastern Conference standings, tied on points with Philadelphia coming into this weekend’s action. Head Coach Pat Noonan’s side has done an excellent job in winning close matches this season, going 8-1-0 (W-L-T) in matches decided by one goal. A stingy defense and difference makers in the attack help to turn those tightly contested matches into three points.
Defensively, the team is led by former Atlanta United SuperDraft pick Miles Robinson. In the attack, striker Kevin Denkey and midfielder Evander have proven their quality time and time again. They have combined for 15 of the team’s 19 goals this season. Evander has added three assists. Atlanta’s defense will need to focus on the middle of the pitch and the spine of Cincinnati to prevent those two players from making a difference on Sunday. In 2025, 79% of Cincinnati’s goals have come through the middle of the pitch. If Atlanta can win the battle in the center of the pitch, itwill put itselfin a position to earn home points.
Focus on set pieces
When you are struggling to score goals from open play like Atlanta United over the last several matches, one area where you can jump start your attack is through set pieces. Whether it be free kicks (direct or indirect), corner kicks or even throw-ins, set pieces can be an effective way for teams to find the back of the net and maybe unlock the rest of the attack. The 5-Stripes have scored only two goals off set pieces this season, one of them being a penalty kick goal. Atlanta has to find more success on set pieces and Sunday would be a good time to start against Cincinnati’s tough defense.
