Atlanta United turning to USL players to spark sluggish season
All season long, Atlanta United has seemed to lack some bite and intensity as evidenced by a disappointing start to the season for one of the league’s most talented clubs. Perhaps with several key players now missing due to international duty and the Gold Cup, it will find that much-needed resolve.
And on Thursday night against Nashville SC, there might be no other option for Atlanta United than to scrap and claw a bit more to get a result. Head coach Gabriel Heinze will need to rely on his depth and the young players on his USL side as several first choice players are away for Copa America, will be in the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup or are injured.
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Behind incumbent starter Brad Guzan, Alec Kann is perhaps the poster boy for this reality facing Atlanta United right now. With the team since 2017, Kann is Atlanta United’s backup goalkeeper and has not played a single first team minute the past three years. His last start came in 2018.
With Guzan off with the United States national team, Kann is likely to be the Atlanta United starter this Thursday night against Nashville SC.
“Guys are hungry, I mean, a lot of guys that have had opportunities in a while, will potentially get a chance to show what they can do and, you know, whether it’s here or somewhere else you can show that we have the quality to play in this league,” Kann told reporters this week.
“And, you know these next couple games with guys away on international duty and, you know, some injuries here and there. Guys ask for opportunities all the time and when they come to take and run with it so I think guys are ready for that and, you know, buzzing these opportunities in the next few weeks.”
It has been a slow start to the season for Atlanta United, who are 2-3-6 (12 points) despite having one of the glitzier lineups in all of MLS. Dropped points at home, often from lapses in concentration or miscues, has seen Atlanta United get off to a sluggish start to the season and remain below the red line in the Eastern Conference.
In these losses, there has been a lack of cynicism in terms of closing out games. Perhaps with some reserve players stepping into prominent roles, this team might finally develop a bit of character and not fold quite as easily. They might be better suited to grind their way to some much needed points.
Kann has featured heavily for Atlanta United II in the USL and has looked sharp, a benefit of the reserve league for sure.
“Thankfully I’ve had the opportunity to play four USL games in the last month,” Kann said.
“I feel I am sharp and ready for the opportunity should it present itself. I try to put myself in a position where I’m going to be selected for these games but ultimately it’s up to the coach to make those decisions.”
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer