ATLANTA, GEORGIA—Atlanta United must follow three key points to beat the home team D.C. United to start a winning run. United at Audi Field on April 2.
Keep efficient shooting percentage
In the last game of United last March 19, United was able to score three goals to salvage a draw against the visiting CF Montreal at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. To beat D.C. United, the team must keep shooting and take every opportunity to score a goal.
United veteran Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez must also work hard to once again score for his team against the tough D.C United squad. United must also collectively work hard in defense and offense to score goals.
Don’t allow Kamara and Estrada to get their scoring groove
The visiting United must do their best to stop Norwegian striker Ola Kamara and Ecuadorian striker Michael Estrada from scoring in this game to beat the home team. The defensive line of United FC must not allow Kamara and Estrada to find their scoring groove in this game. In the last MLS season, Kamara scored 19 goals and added five assists.
Kamara was also deadly inside the box, scoring 18 of his 19 goals in the penalty area.
Combination play is a big plus
To win against D.C. United, United must use combination plays to score goals, just like in their previous games. The 5-Stripes rank fourth in MLS with a 77.1 passing accuracy in the opponents’ half. They have also created 10 Big Chances as scored by Opta, ranking them in the top-10 in MLS heading into this weekend’s action. Creating and ultimately converting “Big Chances” continues to be one of head coach Gonzalo Pineda’s points of emphasis. Coming into this week’s match against D.C. United, Atlanta features a 50% conversion rate on Big Chances, which ranks them 10th in MLS, as they look to increase that efficiency this weekend.
