Atlanta United Vs New York Red Bulls: 3 things to watch for – Question galore
By Josh Bouland
1. Central defense is key
With such a heavy attacking focus around MLS, defense often goes overlooked. Atlanta United have many strong options along the backline for this tournament, whether the team plays in a back three or four.
In either formation, the partnership of Fernando Meza and Miles Robinson will be crucial. Robinson’s name on the starting XI graphic will be a welcome sight for Atlanta fans. He hasn’t featured in a competitive match for Atlanta United since the last regular-season game of the 2019 campaign. The 23-year-old picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty, preventing him from playing in the MLS Cup Playoffs. In February, he picked up another injury, keeping him out of both CCL and MLS matches. Atlanta missed him dearly.
Meza, meanwhile, arrives in Atlanta to replace Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. He played well to start his tenure with the Five Stripes, but should step up his adaption to MLS and the team alongside Robinson, who finished third in last year’s Defender of the Year voting. Atlanta’s central defense should be strong, although the pairing of Robinson and Meza is a relative unknown.
Next. New York City FC Vs Philadelphia Union: 3 things we learned. dark
In a tournament like this, defenders have to be on top of their game. Any mistake can be punished, no matter the competition. Against an unrelenting team like the Red Bulls, this is especially true. The new partnership of Robinson and Meza, which has tremendous potential, will be put to the test. Can they respond?