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MLS stock report and preview: Eastern Conference

By Joshua Bowers

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- October 28: Sean Davis #27 of New York Red Bulls, Alex Muyl #19 of New York Red Bulls and Aaron Long #33 of New York Red Bulls celebrate with tame mates after the team won the Supports Shield during the New York Red Bulls Vs Orlando City MLS regular season game at Red Bull Arena on October 28, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Clayton for the New York Red Bulls)
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- October 28: Sean Davis #27 of New York Red Bulls, Alex Muyl #19 of New York Red Bulls and Aaron Long #33 of New York Red Bulls celebrate with tame mates after the team won the Supports Shield during the New York Red Bulls Vs Orlando City MLS regular season game at Red Bull Arena on October 28, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Clayton for the New York Red Bulls) /
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BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – SEPTEMBER 27: Gonzalo Pity Martinez of River Plate during a training session at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 27, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Diego Haliasz/Getty Images)
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – SEPTEMBER 27: Gonzalo Pity Martinez of River Plate during a training session at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 27, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Diego Haliasz/Getty Images) /

Atlanta United — 69 pts

Stock Even

Key Additions: M P.Martinez, D F.Pogba, D/M B.Shea

Key Losses: M M.Almiron, D G.Garza

Atlanta United fulfilled their destiny last year, winning MLS Cup in just their second season in the league. They did fall short of the Supporters’ Shield, but only by two points and only because the New York Red Bulls managed the greatest regular season in the history of MLS. Atlanta United scored a league-high 70 goals last year, which is more than two goals per game. They also only allowed 44 goals, which was 10 less than average. There were no weaknesses on the 2018 team.

The MLS Cup champions will be different, but not any better or worse than they were a season ago. Gone are manager Tata Martino and the biggest star in the Eastern Conference, Miguel Almiron, as well as, Greg Garza, who is a top left-back when healthy.

However, Atlanta have done a great job replacing them. Frank de Boer is a legend with terrific European experience, Almiron is replaced by Pity Martinez, who is a significantly more known commodity (being the best player in South America last season and all) than Almiron was when he signed, and the combination of Brek Shea and burgeoning 17-year-old Georgo Bello should be enough to succeed Garza on the left flank.

Atlanta, of course, still have a stable of stars held over from their championship season. Josef Martinez signed an extension and now holds the Designated Player label. He is the best striker in the league. Tito Villalba and Ezequiel Barco will look to take a step forward in Almiron’s absence. Julian Gressel remains one of the very best players to come out of the MLS draft in recent years and is a very versatile and creative player.

Atlanta have depth all over the pitch. The defense returns everyone but Garza. It looks like de Boer will continue to play with three central defenders. Syracuse University’s own Miles Robinson will start in his third MLS season along with Michael Pankhurst and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. Florentine Pogba will provide depth, while Jeff Larentowicz will likely move back to the midfield.

MLS is Atlanta United’s world, and we’re just living in it. There will be some growing pains. de Boer needs to figure out how to best use this roster. However, there is way too much talent to expect this team to take a step back this year.

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