ATLANTA, Ga. — Halfway through their 2025 MLS season, Atlanta United is facing a grim reality: the team has profoundly underperformed. Despite significant financial investment in attacking talent and a theoretically strong returning defensive core, the Five Stripes are delivering a frustratingly flat performance on both ends of the pitch.
The numbers don’t lie. Atlanta United has netted a mere 21 goals in 18 matches, with three being unfortunate own-goals, leading to eight frustrating shutouts. This is despite spending over $50 million on offensive firepower in recent transfer windows, including a club-record $22 million for striker Emmanuel Latte Lath and $11 million to bring back fan-favorite Miguel Almirón.
Defensively, the story is equally concerning. The team has conceded 34 goals – the third most in MLS – and has managed just one shutout, which wasn’t even a win. A slew of injuries to key defenders has derailed any chance of building consistency at the back.
The struggle is even more pronounced away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the team has yet to secure a single win in eight attempts. With only four total wins on the season and a staggering 15 points dropped from 10 home matches, the high hopes for a trophy-contending season have dissolved into the same morass that has plagued the club since 2020.
“I have to take responsibility for it,” a visibly frustrated Manager Ronny Deila admitted after Thursday’s humiliating 4-0 loss at NYCFC. “I don’t know what to say about it. It’s really embarrassing, and it has nothing to do with New York City. The way we do it, that is not an organized team. That is not a disciplined team. That is not a team that stands together and fights for each other. That’s difficult, very difficult. You need to play 95 minutes.”
Spotlight on Performance: Hits and Misses
While the team struggles, some individuals are still showing flashes. Alexey Miranchuk continues to be a workhorse, leading the team in key passes (31) despite often being forced into a deeper role. Saba Lobjanidze is also contributing with a team-leading six assists, though a goal has eluded him so far this season. In midfield, Jay Fortune‘s attacking dribbling and defensive disruption remain consistent, and Bartosz Slisz excels as a ball-winner, leading the team in completed passes in the opponent’s final third (94), blocks (16), and interceptions (20).
However, the struggles of star players are glaring. Miguel Almirón is under intense scrutiny. Despite leading the team in shots (39) and shots on target (16), he has only three goals (one penalty, one deflection) and a mere one secondary assist in his last 13 appearances. His persistent drifting inside from the wing has forced tactical adjustments, raising questions about his current form at 31 and whether a positional change or even a benching is necessary if production doesn’t improve.
Emmanuel Latte Lath, the record signing, has also not met expectations since his strong start. While he leads the team with five goals, he hasn’t scored in his last 11 appearances. Deila noted that Latte Lath was dealing with off-field issues which are now resolved, expressing hope for a resurgence, especially with the team’s recent tactical shift to a counterattacking back-five, which seems to better suit his speed.
The entire backline has been a major liability, repeatedly gifting goals through simple errors. Injuries to presumed starters like Brooks Lennon, Stian Gregersen, Derrick Williams (now out for at least three weeks with a partial foot tendon tear), and Pedro Amador have prevented any stable defensive unit from forming. This has sparked a debate about giving more opportunities to promising Homegrown talents like Dominik Chong-Qui, Noah Cobb, Efrain Morales, and Matthew Edwards, hoping their connection to the club can inject some much-needed daring and discipline.
What Lies Ahead?
With the playoffs slipping away – currently eight points out of the ninth and final spot, and 14 points off a top-four finish – the focus shifts to the upcoming summer transfer window, opening July 24. President Garth Lagerwey has indicated the club will aim to strengthen its “spine,” though navigating DP slots (currently at three) and general allocation money will be key.
The recent two-match win streak achieved with a back-five and counterattacking style suggests this tactical approach might be the best path forward. Deila’s challenge is clear: unlock the full potential of his expensive attackers and forge a dependable defensive unit.
While the current state is undoubtedly “maddening,” the possibility of improvement is “likely.” The talent exists, as evidenced by the consistent number of Atlanta United players called up to national teams.
“For me, it’s about belief and confidence… but in the end, you have to fight,” Deila emphasized. “We have to be a force together, taking each other’s back, supporting each other, talking together, correcting each other, giving positive credits to each other, lift each other up. I don’t see that. We have quality, but we as a team now, we are not, especially away, the best version of ourselves. And that is, of course, it’s my responsibility.”
Atlanta United’s next chance to turn the tide comes on Wednesday, June 25, when they travel to face Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. ET.
