MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Atlanta United: 5 things learned from road win over Philadelphia

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 30: Atlanta United Head Coach Gerardo Tata Martino during an MLS match between the Orlando City and Atlanta United FC on June 30, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 30: Atlanta United Head Coach Gerardo Tata Martino during an MLS match between the Orlando City and Atlanta United FC on June 30, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
CHESTER, PA – JULY 07: Union Defender Raymon Gaddis (28) defends Atlanta United Forward Hector Villalba (15) in the first half during the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA – JULY 07: Union Defender Raymon Gaddis (28) defends Atlanta United Forward Hector Villalba (15) in the first half during the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Fatigue may be an issue

Atlanta finished a tough stretch of games on Saturday night. The Five Stripes played five games in 18 days across all competitions. Tata Martino rotated his squad a little bit, but deployed the same starting XI for the last three matches. Those three matches occurred in the span of one week, with two of those matches played on the road.

Fatigue played a big part in the game on Saturday night. The Five Stripes looked slow on their feet, especially in the first half. It also contributed to Atlanta’s poor passing. The team was both slow physically and mentally. If not for Philly’s poor finishing, Atlanta may have been down multiple goals going into the half.

Luckily for Atlanta, they play just three games in the next three weeks. Two of the next three matches will be at home as well and against teams well below the playoff line in their respective conferences. With so few games, the players should be able to rest and recuperate and come back with new energy. They will need the energy, with this Sunday’s match airing on national television immediately after the World Cup Final concludes.

Home/Atlanta United