It was definitely Miguel Almiron’s World that the sold-out crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium got to witness in Atlanta United’s 4-1 domination of Houston Dynamo last week.
A hat trick, two left-footed lasers, a #MiggyHop, a penalty kick…
Only thing Almiron didn’t do was collect concessions. But that is an unproven thesis since there was an almost-hour-long rain delay and Multiplex didn’t see him in that hour.
Those who did see him after the rain delay saw a masterpiece,
Almiron was given “Goal of The Week” (even if it was the wrong one chosen) and “Player of the Week” honors at the league level- as it should have been.
Now, with Houston in the rear view mirror, they welcome NYCFC to Bobby Dodd (sold-out for the fifth time in a row to start the 2017 season)- and the #5Stripes remember what happened only a few weeks back at Yankee Stadium.
So, what’s different?
NYCFC is coming in for a fourth match in two weeks with a fifth match in New England looming mid-week. What will the line-up from head coach Patrick Vieira look like, and just how far away from the line-up are Matarrita and Khiry Shelton?
For Atlanta, this certainly gave folks a LOT of food for thought going into the weekend…
https://twitter.com/ATLUTD/status/868137764369428481
The guy in the upper-right hand corner there? Atlanta United fans remember him and MLS remembers Josef Martinez all too well. Could Martinez be in the 18 this weekend? Could be…
But where he is in recovery is unknown, same for Jacob Peterson and Zach Loyd.
Does this mean another side of “Frosted Orange” to go?
Maybe, if in Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino’s mind, the situation would allow it. Martino also reminded everyone within earshot that forward Andrew Carleton is only 16 years old. Carleton got his MLS debut last week in front of 45,000 hometown fans that almost registered another one of those “fan-quakes” seismologists record from time to time.
What a moment for @andrewcarleton7! Congratulations on your @atlutd debut! 👏🏻😁🔴⚫️pic.twitter.com/BUanfn2ptC
— ATLUTD Academy (@AcademyATLUTD) May 21, 2017
And speaking of Tata…
Because of his ejection from last week for his right-footed, first-touch, lob wedge back in the field of play on a Joe Willis boot toward the bench, assistant Jorge Theiler will be in the technical area for the match against NYCFC.
Martino will give last instructions at the training complex before the team buses into the stadium. Last week, after his ejection, he watched the remainder of the match from a suite inside Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Expect the same and not one of these moments…
So, what’s the same?
Best guess, from the Atlanta United point-of-view, is that the Starting XI since Portland will be the same. Ever since Tito Villalba has been up top, Julian Gressel has been moved out wide, and Almiron is in the middle with Yamil Asad off to his left, Atlanta United has maintained their pace as one of the top offensive threats in Major League Soccer. Their 24 goals are league-best with NYCFC only 2 back at 22.
Saying that means, obviously, it will be a defensive showcase, right?
With what Jeff Larentowicz has been doing in recent weeks, almost taking a role as a drop-back, drifting extra defenseman allowing the fullbacks in Tyrone Mears and Greg Garza to get involved in the transition offense immediately, he, Michael Parkhurst, and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez have been experienced anchors that get things moving quickly.
Which could lead to…
Time. Of. Possession. Talk.
Is this stat something to pay attention to now? Could be…
Remember, Atlanta United has shown both patience and persistence in their last few matches and taking the time of possession numbers in those matches since. Interesting NYCFC stat: NYCFC has averaged almost 60-percent of the ball-handling in road games. Good enough for #1 in the league.
Atlanta United, though, could just feast on transitions and turnovers on a wider pitch than Yankee Stadium and turn the numbers irrelevant.
Another interesting stat
When NYCFC’s Rodney Wallace is on the pitch, the team averages almost 2 goals per match. And David Villa only needs one of those for Goal #50 Sunday afternoon in an NYCFC kit.
How To Keep Up With Atlanta-United and NYCFC (TV/Radio)
| 5/28 | 5:00pm ET | New York City FC | Atlanta, GA | ESPN |
Okay, Atlanta United fans, what do you think will happen with revenge on the minds of the #5Stripes Sunday afternoon?
Let us know in the Comments Section below…