Atlanta United Vs FC Cincinnati: 5 things we learned – Time to panic?

Atlanta United hosted expansion side FC Cincinnati in the club’s 2019 home opener. Here are five things we learned from the disappointing 1-1 draw.

Atlanta United are still looking for their first MLS win of 2019 after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against FC Cincinnati. Atlanta’s attack struck early with a Josef Martinez goal in the fifth minute of the game. However, a late defensive lapse led to Cincinnati’s only goal of the night with just a couple of minutes remaining.

After two disappointing losses earlier in the week against D.C. United and Monterrey, the Five Stripes sorely needed a result. With Cincinnati losing 4-1 to Seattle just a week prior, Atlanta fans and media alike expected the defending MLS champions to have no problems with the expansion side. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t finish the job and get the win.

Panic is starting to set in with the fanbase. In just two years, the team amassed 124 points, the most of any club in that span. With an average of 1.8 points per game, having just one point from the first two matches of the season is disappointing. But despite these early results, it’s not the time to panic. Not yet, anyway…

Here are five things we learned from Sunday evening’s disappointing 1-1 draw.

5. Too soon to panic?

The short answer to this question is ‘yes’. There are many factors as to why it’s too soon: Frank de Boer has only managed five matches, Atlanta’s biggest offseason signing isn’t at full fitness yet, and the team has already played five matches in the span of 17 days with two more matches in the next six.

The long answer requires a deeper look, and it starts with travel and fatigue. Atlanta United has never faced such a steep challenge in their short existence. In 17 days, the club has traveled to Costa Rica, then Atlanta, then Washington DC, back to Atlanta, to Mexico, and back to Atlanta again. Because of the intense travel and congestion, Atlanta’s true quality can’t be assessed just yet.

Another large factor in the team’s slow start is the new coaching staff. Atlanta has gone from an attack-oriented, speed-based system to a more defensive and possession-based approach. The transition between these tactics is difficult and the match congestion and travel is not making things any easier.

Atlanta will have another congested period in May. The team is set to play eight matches in 27 days, for an average of one match per three days. Once they endure that tough stretch, the Gold Cup break will be here and the team will have time to finally rest and recuperate. If times are still tough, then fans can begin to panic.