Atlanta United aiming to get back to winning ways
JamieLamor Thompson _Shutterstock.com
Atlanta United head to Florida to take on Orlando City on Sunday. The Major League Soccer Eastern Conference rivals have got off to great starts this season.
Atlanta currently leads the conference with 22 points from a possible 30, while Orlando have collected 19 from 27. Just two places separate the sides and Sunday's fixture could have a direct effect on which team wins the Eastern Conference this term.
Orlando have won their last six matches by a combined score of 17-9. The Lions are scoring goals, but Jason Kreis' team has conceded them as well. Just once this term has Orlando kept a clean sheet. Striker Dom Dwyer has been in fine form tallying six goals in six appearances. Signed in midseason a year ago, Dwyer has settled well in Orlando and having attacking midfielder Sacha Kljestan creating goals has made the pair a devastating combo. Dwyer's six goals has him second in MLS in scoring this term.
Until Atlanta's midweek loss to Sporting KC, the Five Stripes had gone eight matches unbeaten. The loss was only the second time that Atlanta had been held scoreless this term. Opening day against the Houston Dynamo was the last time that feat occurred. Atlanta have the best goals scored tally in the Eastern Conference (23) and attackers Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron have scored 13 strikes between them. Outside of the duo, however, Atlanta's other players haven't weighed in with many goals. The remaining goals have been spread between seven other players along with two own goals.
Gerardo Martino's players has been guilty of letting their emotions get the best of them. Atlanta's players have been shown 23 yellow cards and two red cards. The team's discipline record is the second worst in MLS.
Atlanta's aggression is due to Martino's counter-attack philosophy. The Five Stripes have scored three goals from counter-attacks, the most in MLS. Set pieces have also been a staple of the club as four times this term Atlanta have scored from a corner or free-kick.
Orlando are scoring goals, but the team is conceding them as well. The Lions' inability to keep the ball out of their own net will be the difference against Atlanta. Orlando have conceded the most goals at home this term (11).
Atlanta may not be scoring goals away from home as potently as they are at Mercedes Benz Arena, but the Five Stripes are picking up wins. The club has won three straight away fixtures. Atlanta will keep their good form away from home going and defeat Orlando City on Sunday.
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