Atlanta United will hope to keep their winning momentum going this week as they face off against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Five Stripes got their first win of the season last weekend at Mercedes-Benz, but face a Whitecaps side that are unbeaten through two matches so far this year. Here’s three players fans in the red, black and gold should look out for this weekend:
Kei Kamara
One of the most consistently elite goalscorers in MLS ever to touch the pitch, Kei Kamara was a major addition for the Whitecaps’ forward line this offseason. The native of Sierra Leon, who spent time in the Premier League and the Championship in England earlier in his career, has hit double digits in goals each of the last three seasons. That includes a 22-goal season that helped propel the Columbus Crew to the MLS Cup Final back in 2015. After a year and a half with the Revolution, he’s hit the ground running north of the border with two goals and an assist in his first two games, taking his career MLS goal tally to 100. Kamara is one of the most potent aerial attacking threats in the league, and will be looking to get on the end of crosses from Vancouver’s speedy wingers all game. Kamara is an prolific finisher, but thrives on chances created by others more than creating them himself. So while the center backs will be charged with marking him much of the game, the fullbacks can chip in by cutting off incoming services from the wings.
Kendall Waston
The 6’ 3” Costa Rican center back is the cornerstone of the Vancouver back line, and he was a major headache for the Atlanta United back line in the only other meeting between the teams so far. Waston is an imposing presence in both boxes, providing one of the most consistently dangerous set piece threats in the league. Waston is a player who relies on elite power and strength, and can be tough to get around when allowed to set up his defense. Springing out on in transition and using their elite speed and passing ability could help Atlanta United get through what’s proven to be a tough nut to crack thus far in 2018.
Alphonso Davies
Vancouver has more than just power lining up on their side of the ball. They have some speedy wingers looking to provide service as well, and none of them have started the season more brightly than 17-year-old Homegrown Alphonso Davies. The Canadian international has a goal and an assist so far in two games, and is a constant threat down the wing for the ‘Caps. Much like the match against D.C., Atlanta United will have to keep their discipline and avoid pushing too many people forward in order to avoid getting hit on the counter attack. But they showed last week that they are more than capable if they keep that same defensive focus this weekend.
Follow the Match
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Fox Sports South. You can listen to the game on the Atlanta United app or through one of our radio partners: WAOK 1380 AM or, for Spanish-speaking listeners, La Mejor Atlanta. Click here for a full rundown of how to follow along with the game.
