MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Atlanta United Vs FC Cincinnati: 3 things we learned – Hot start continues

By Josh Bouland

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 29: Ezequiel Barco #8 of the Atlanta United moves with the ball during second half stoppage time against the Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Atlanta defeats Nashville 2-1. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 29: Ezequiel Barco #8 of the Atlanta United moves with the ball during second half stoppage time against the Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Atlanta defeats Nashville 2-1. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 29: Franco Escobar #2 of the Atlanta United pauses on the field during a stoppage of the first half against the Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 29: Franco Escobar #2 of the Atlanta United pauses on the field during a stoppage of the first half against the Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

2. Injuries continue to pile up

The Five Stripes took yet another hit on the injury front as right center-back Laurence Wyke subbed off just before halftime. Wyke made his first career MLS start after Franco Escobar suffered an injury last weekend against Nashville. Despite it being his first league start, Wyke was holding his own before the injury occurred.

More from MLS Multiplex

Homegrown player George Campbell subbed on for Wyke and played just well enough for Atlanta to secure the victory in front of their home fans. Although Wyke and Campbell played well, the depth situation along Atlanta’s backline is becoming increasingly worrying. De Boer will have a tough decision to make for Wednesday night’s match against Club America.

Will Wyke be fit enough in time for the match? Does de Boer trust 18-year-old Campbell? Will Escobar or Miles Robinson be fit enough to make their much-needed returns? Answers will come as the team trains in the next few days, but Atlanta fans should brace for the worst. It is entirely possible that de Boer moves to a back four for Wednesday night, even if it means playing a player or two out of position, just as he did earlier in the tournament against Motagua.

It is unfortunate that Wyke picked up the injury because his distribution was superb prior to the injury. Although he may not feature much more for the rest of 2020, the club can feel confident knowing that he has already shown crucial flashes of talent, which is all you can ask at this stage in his career.

Home/Atlanta United