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Atlanta United: 2018 MLS season in review – Conquered

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta fans hold a copy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution announcing Atlanta's victory during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta fans hold a copy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution announcing Atlanta's victory during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Game attendance is announced on the overheard video board during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Game attendance is announced on the overheard video board during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Home form/road form

Atlanta finished with the second best overall record in the league thanks to solid home form and superb road form. The Five Stripes finished in a four-way tie for fourth place in home form with 37 points at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Where they really excelled, though, was on the road, finishing atop the league with 32 points away from home.

Since Atlanta only finished fourth in points at home, it can be said that their home form needs a little more work. They also finished fourth in wins at home with eleven, tied with three other teams. The team did well to avoid losing, finishing with two losses. Surprisingly, both losses came in May.

The club may want to look at its four draws, however. All four draws came against solid teams: NYCFC, Portland, Seattle, and Toronto. However, against NYC and Toronto, Atlanta held leads but blew both of them. They also failed to take advantage of a ten man Seattle and multiple open looks against Portland. Turning those draws into wins can only help the team reach new heights in the future.

Enough cannot be said about Atlanta’s road form. The Five Stripes set a new MLS record (sensing a theme?) with ten road wins. They finished with 32 points, four points clear of the next best team. The only disappointing aspect of their road performances? The bookend shellackings from Houston and Toronto. Despite those embarrassing losses, Atlanta’s ability to win on the road did wonders for the team over the course of the full season.

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