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

By Josh Bouland

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)
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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BRONX, NY – JUNE 09: Miles Robinson #12 of Atlanta United walks the pitch prior to the MLS match between New York City FC and Atlanta United FC at Yankee Stadium on June 09, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York. The match ended in a tie score of 1 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY – JUNE 09: Miles Robinson #12 of Atlanta United walks the pitch prior to the MLS match between New York City FC and Atlanta United FC at Yankee Stadium on June 09, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York. The match ended in a tie score of 1 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

2. Miles Robinson

It appears heavy squad rotation is in order for Atlanta this weekend against Cincinnati. Even with normal starters on the bench, there will be a few holdovers from the starting XI against Monterrey. Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez will miss the return leg against Monterrey due to yellow card accumulation, so he’ll probably start against Cincinnati. Miles Robinson will also most likely join him in starting on Sunday.

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Under de Boer, Robinson has started every single match, including the preseason. Robinson is not a flashy player by any means, but so far he has impressed. As mentioned above, players are still getting acclimated to de Boer’s new tactics. As a result, the defense has been somewhat leaky. Atlanta have conceded eight goals in three games (shutout Herediano in the return leg), but if not for Robinson and his solid defense, there would be more conceded goals.

Cincinnati lost 4-1 in Seattle on opening weekend in embarrassing fashion. They will look to attack Atlanta and spoil the defending champs’ home opener. Assuming they start on the front foot and throw everything they’ve got at Atlanta, it will be up to Robinson and the back line to keep things in check.

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