MARIETTA, Ga. (July 8, 2025) — Saturday’s 0-0 draw against D.C. United was a mixed bag for Atlanta United: a long-awaited clean sheet on the defensive end, but continued frustration in the final third. At Tuesday’s training session at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, the squad responded with a focused, detailed effort — splitting into positional groups to sharpen their game on both sides of the ball.
With just one goal scored over the club’s last four matches (all on the road), the emphasis was clear: rediscover that attacking edge.
Focused Drills for Attack and Defense
The training session was split between defenders and attacking players — a rare but strategic approach to isolate areas needing refinement. While assistant coach Carl Robinson worked with defensive midfielders and the back line on mini-goal drills, forwards and wide players worked through shooting and buildup patterns designed to unlock low blocks — the kind that stymied them in D.C.
Fullbacks Dominik Chong Qui and Nyk Sessock joined the attacking group, feeding through balls to the likes of Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath, Saba Lobjanidze, and Alexey Miranchuk — all of whom are still looking for consistency in the final third.
Saba: “If You Don’t Risk, Nothing Will Happen”
After a run of explosive home performances, Atlanta United’s road form has cooled dramatically. Since May 28, they’ve scored just once in four road matches — a stark contrast to the seven goals scored in their last two home outings. For Saba Lobjanidze, who returned to the starting XI Saturday, it’s not about talent — it’s about mentality.
“To be honest, it’s sad, because I think we are a good team. We have quality, and still we need something,” Saba said. “If you don’t risk, nothing will happen. There will be mistakes, but we’ll make them together.”
Saba, now tied for the team lead in assists (6), said it’s on the team’s veteran core to lead both in action and in attitude — a responsibility he shares with players like Almirón and Miranchuk. Tuesday’s session was full of player-to-player teaching moments, including Almirón and Luke Brennan working side-by-side to sharpen their movement and timing.
Reilly’s Rise: “A Confluence of Small Things”
Will Reilly earned his third start of the season Saturday and once again looked the part. The Homegrown midfielder was a calm presence in the middle, finishing with 73 touches, 91% passing accuracy, and six ball recoveries.
For Reilly, the difference between struggle and success is in the nuance — in tightening the tempo and execution in build-up.
“It starts all the way from the back — building out, speed of play, and getting the ball to the right guys in the right spaces,” he said. “It’s not like we’re getting played off the park — it’s a confluence of a bunch of small things.”
Reilly’s attention to detail echoes what others in the locker room have said: a tactical overhaul isn’t necessary — just sharper movement, better decision-making, and quicker tempo.
What’s Next
Atlanta United will have one final road match in this four-game swing — a July 12 clash with Toronto FC. The 5-Stripes then return home for two key Eastern Conference matchups at Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Chicago Fire (July 20) and Charlotte FC (July 27).
With positive energy at training and the defense finding its footing, attention now turns to one key question: can the attack click back into gear?
