With ten Atlanta United players called up for international duty, Tuesday’s training session at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground featured just 14 outfield players. While the 5-Stripes take pride in their international representation, the squad will need to rely on depth and adaptability for Saturday’s MLS matchup against FC Cincinnati.
“Next Man Up” Mentality
Head coach Ronny Deila and Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson structured the squad to ensure depth beyond just the marquee signings like Miguel Almirón and Emmanuel Latte Lath. Now, new additions like Mateusz Klich and Cayman Togashi and homegrown talents such as Will Reilly will have their chance to step up.
“Everyone needs to be ready and needs to want [it],” said winger Xande Silva.
This international window also saw younger players join the first team in training, including Ashton Gordon, Adyn Torres, and Ronan Wynne from Atlanta United 2. Reilly, in particular, has impressed in training and could earn his first significant minutes on Saturday, especially with Bartosz Slisz away.
Defensive Adjustments on the Horizon
With four center backs unavailable (Noah Cobb, Luis Abram, Stian Gregersen, and Efraín Morales), Derrick Williams is currently the only natural center back available for Saturday. If Ronald Hernández recovers from his quad injury, he could shift centrally despite his usual fullback role.
Xande Silva’s Moment?
With Almirón missing, Silva could step into the starting XI on the left wing, shifting Saba Lobjanidze to the right. Silva has already proven himself as a game-changer, and despite missing a key opportunity against Inter Miami, his confidence remains high.
“That’s life. You cannot be afraid,” Silva said. “Football is like life. When you work hard, you succeed.”
Latte Lath Leading the Attack
Despite the team still searching for consistency in attack, Emmanuel Latte Lath has remained a bright spot. The striker scored his third goal of the season against Inter Miami, continuing his dominance in the air.
His partnership with right back Brooks Lennon is already showing promise, as the duo linked up for a goal in the 11th minute and nearly did again in the 19th.
“Even in training, we try to find the connection,” Latte Lath said. “He tries to explain how he crosses it toward me, and I try to study him.”
Finding the Finishing Touch
While the attacking chemistry is progressing, Atlanta United knows that results need to follow. The question remains:
How long will it take for the team’s attacking fluidity to translate into goals and points?
“Sometimes it takes one week, two weeks, one month, five months,” Latte Lath said. “We need to keep going, do the right things and just listen.”
With key players away, Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati will be an early test of Atlanta United’s squad depth and resilience.
