Tools to the Match: How Atlanta United picks up positive result in Toronto 

The first international break of the 2024 calendar year has arrived and with that it provides opportunity for Atlanta United and Toronto FC this weekend at BMO Field. The 5-Stripes will have six players missing due to international call-ups, in addition to Stian Gregersen being out. Atlanta is coming off two consecutive home victories and will try to add to that momentum. Toronto is off to a solid start as well, picking up seven points in its first four matches under new head coach John Herdman. Last season, both matches between the two sides finished in draws. Atlanta looks to go one better this time and earn the club’s second all-time road win at Toronto. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by the Home Depot against Toronto FC.

Absences provide opportunities for new players to make their mark

Playing through international breaks is nothing new in MLS. Atlanta’s depth will be tested this weekend when the team travels north of the border. Jamal Thiaré, who scored multiple goals in preseason action, is in line to replace Giorgos Giakoumakis up top. Atlanta’s midfield depth will be tested as well, with Bartosz Slisz and Thiago Almada on international duty. Veteran midfielder Dax McCarty could be called upon to fill in. Along the backline, injuries and international duty will force Gonzalo Pineda into a new look after the team recorded its first clean sheet of the season last weekend. Brooks Lennon and Derrick Williams have been mainstays in the back along with goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

If Atlanta can come together quickly with a new look starting XI and stay compact against a Toronto team that features individual quality in several positions, it can pick up a positive result on the road.

Stop Toronto’s excellent wing play and don’t allow stars to take over

Herdman’s side has made a surprising start to the 2024 season and it has mostly been fueled by solid wing play and the team’s superstars taking over matches. Lorenzo Insigne has scored two of Toronto’s three goals this season, the latest coming in spectacular fashion with a curling strike from 25 yards out. Insigne and fellow Italian Federico Bernardeschi have looked revitalized this season under the new head coach. Both have been given freedom on each wing to cut inside on their stronger foot and create dangerous scoring opportunities. Insigne leads the team with six created chances, while Bernardeschi has created five.

Toronto’s defense has also been much improved this season, giving up only two goals through four matches, which is tied with Atlanta for the league-lead in goals conceded. Atlanta will need to be clinical in front of goal and take the chances it’s given by this tough Toronto defense in order to bring home points.

Stay true to the team’s identity and play fearless on the road

Road matches are difficult in MLS regardless of the circumstances. One of the things Atlanta’s coaching staff has stressed throughout the preseason and the early portion of the campaign is that they want the team to stay true to its playing identity, whether that’s playing at home or on the road. Whether that’s with the team’s strongest starting XI, or with several key absences like this weekend in Toronto. Saturday night’s match will be a great test to see how the team can adjust and maintain its identity against quality competition.

One of the key players potentially for Saturday is Saba Lobjanidze. The Georgian winger, who was not called into his national team this week, is coming off his best game of the year when he scored a goal and added an assist against Orlando. Lobjanidze has been one of the players that has covered a lot of ground and leads the team in sprints through three matches. His connection with Lennon down the right side will be key for Atlanta this weekend. If those two can combine and help set up scoring chances, or even finish them, then the 5-Stripes could come away with a good result in Toronto.

Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Saturday night at 7:30 pm ET when the action kicks off at BMO Field in Toronto. To hear the action on radio, tune into STAR 94 FM (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).