After a much-needed pause in the 2025 MLS season, Atlanta United resumed training this week with more questions than answers. Sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference with just 17 points from 18 matches, the club’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Only two teams in the conference have a worse record, and with 16 matches left, the Five Stripes will need a significant turnaround to earn a postseason berth.
“I can accept losing, but the way we are losing is crazy,” said head coach Ronny Deila following training on Monday, June 23. “You have to challenge people and challenge yourself.”
A Rough Start for Deila’s First Season
The 2025 campaign marks Deila’s first year leading the club under owner Arthur Blank, and the coach has made it clear he’s focused on the present—not Atlanta’s similar struggles from last season. The most recent performance, a 4-0 loss to New York City FC, was labeled “embarrassing” by Deila, highlighting the club’s inconsistency and vulnerability, especially on the road.
Injuries and Absences
Compounding Atlanta’s challenges are injuries and roster shortages. Midfielder Ajani Fortune was ruled out after picking up an injury during the break. Deila acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic:
“That is a blow for him, but he is young and will come back.”
Training Mood and Player Mentality
Despite the circumstances, spirits were relatively high at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Players looked loose during Monday’s session, with veteran Brooks Lennon among those taking a refreshed mindset into the second half of the season.
“I tried not to think about soccer,” Lennon shared, noting he spent most of the break playing golf with family.
Lennon, one of the few consistent figures for the squad this season, is expected to start in Wednesday night’s match against Columbus Crew.
Tough Test in Columbus
Atlanta’s return to the field won’t be easy. Columbus Crew, a top-tier side in MLS, will host the Five Stripes at Lower.com Field, where they’ve been particularly dominant. While Atlanta is eager to hit the reset button, their winless road record remains a glaring issue.
“The team is excited about beginning the second half,” Lennon said, “but we know Columbus is one of the best and even tougher at home.”
Looking Ahead
With pressure mounting and limited room for error, Ronny Deila’s squad must respond with urgency. A result in Columbus would provide a much-needed morale boost and signal the start of a more competitive second half. If not, Atlanta’s 2025 season may follow the same disappointing arc as the year before—something Deila is determined to avoid.
