Atlanta United: 3 things we learned; 2 key players to watch

KENNESAW, GA FEBRUARY 28: Atlanta's Ezequiel Barco (8) looks to pass the ball during the Champions League match between CS Herediano and Atlanta United FC on February 28th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 07: Atlanta United FC’s Franco Escobar during the MLS Cup 2018 Team Training Sessions on December 7, 2018, at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Injuries are hampering the team

One look at Atlanta’s starting XI against Monterrey and you might worry too.

I’ve never *really* been worried about an Atlanta United line up before. Tonight is different. #UniteAndConquer #CCL https://t.co/PGPIqrZMLO
— Josh Bouland (@josh_bouland) March 7, 2019

Injuries are a problem for the Five Stripes right now. Franco Escobar, who starred for the club in their MLS Cup run, is still not fit from a shoulder injury suffered at the beginning of the preseason. Kevin Kratz is still dealing with injury in already shallow midfield depth, while George Bello hasn’t seen the pitch since the team’s first match against Herediano. Julian Gressel just picked up an ankle injury to top it all off.

The team will already rotate the squad because of match congestion, but now they are forced to rotate because of injuries. Fortunately the team is deeper than most, but their depth is not enough to compete with the Liga MX teams left in CCL, including Monterrey. Their depth will even be tested in MLS as the squad rotates this early in the season.

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