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MLS Week 7: Top 7 Storylines – Undefeated teams meet

By Joshua Bowers

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring his first Toronto FC goal with teammates Jonathan Osorio (21), Jozy Altidore (17) and Chris Mavinga (23) during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring his first Toronto FC goal with teammates Jonathan Osorio (21), Jozy Altidore (17) and Chris Mavinga (23) during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: Hector Villalba #15 of Atlanta United moves the ball up the field during the first half of the game between Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: Hector Villalba #15 of Atlanta United moves the ball up the field during the first half of the game between Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

6. Atlanta needs a win

Atlanta United have had a dreadful start to their season after winning MLS Cup in 2018. Through four matches, they have just two points. They have been absolutely anaemic on the offensive end, scoring just two goals. Suffice to say, Atlanta United needed a refresh to their MLS season.

Luckily for them, they had a break scheduled. Atlanta United last played March 30th, a 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew. It will have been 14 days since then when they kick off against the New England Revolution this Saturday night. Atlanta fans will hope that the team has straightened itself out by then and can come out looking like a new team.

Atlanta opened the season playing a 3-4-3. However, manager Frank de Boer shifted to a 4-3-3 in the team’s most recent match. It will be interesting to see how they are aligned this week. Reports of Michael Pankhurst training at full-back would indicate a back-four, with Leandro Gonzalez Pirez and Miles Robinson the first two choices at center-back.

More than anything, Atlanta needs better chemistry in their attack. Hopefully, they have had adequate time in training to develop that. They have a seemingly infinite supply of talent, featuring Josef Martinez, Pity Martinez, Ezequiel Barco, Tito Villalba, Darlington Nagbe, Julian Gressel, and more. The onus is on those players to be better.

Atlanta returns to action in New England to face the Revolution on Saturday at 7:30 PM EST.

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