Atlanta United begin their playoff journey Wednesday November 1st in Columbus. They will also host their first playoff match in nearly 4 years On Tuesday November 7th. But Atlanta’s first round success will most likely be determined by how they handle the Crew’s ridiculous attack. Here are my three key points that could make or break their season.
Avoid giving the ball away in your own half at all costs
This is the most important thing Atlanta needs to do. Columbus will be pressing and they will leave you with very few options. But if Atlanta does break the press it could be very rewarding. Take this chance for example, from the October 7th match vs Columbus:
A Rossetto-Muyumba connection instantly eliminates the press and allows Atlanta to get a huge chance. Moments like these are huge, but rarely happen. But there's been a new strategy Atlanta has implemented since Giorgos Giakoumakis has come to town to break the press. When Guzan has run out of options, he sometimes plays a long ball to Giakoumakis, who then holds up the play. Steps like these have helped Atlanta have those game-losing giveaways a whole lot less. But often, Columbus does not need a mistake to score.
Keep your shape
Columbus’ style, touches, and layoffs are the best I’ve seen in the league this year. What they can create, from seemingly nothing is incredible. I have a couple plays we can break down to show this ability. Let’s take a look:
In this chance, Gressel and Rossi combine and almost instantly get a three on two chance. This is the style of soccer the Crew relentlessly play. They want to beat opponents to simply have as few opponents between the goal and the ball as possible. They also adjust to what defensive shape is present very quickly. And for Atlanta, that shape is almost solely reliant on where the fullbacks and midfield is when they lose possession. If Atlanta can have all their players in shape and ready to defend, success is way more likely. But sometimes, Columbus can simply just dice you up like onions. Here is the goal from that October 7th match:
A beautiful ball from Sean Zawadzki eliminates four Atlanta defenders and they have yet another three on two, and this time Cucho is clinical. Atlanta’s shape is way off, but my goodness it's a near inch perfect pass that splits Muyumba and Robinson to a man they did not even know was there. But even when Columbus aren’t at their peak like that goal, they can produce moments of magic through their stars.
Contain Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi
As seen in that goal, Miles Robinson tightly marks Diego Rossi, which is exactly what is needed. He has five goals and assists in his eight starts for the Crew since joining in August, but has been an important catalyst in every single match. But Cucho Hernandez is on another level. He demolished Atlanta’s defense in October, with nine shots (four on target) and even creating two chances. Here is one of his moments besides the goal we watched earlier:
Here Atlanta gives Cucho way too much space and time to fire off a shot. Although you can’t contain the amount of shots Cucho has (he topped MLS in total shots and shots per 90 at 6.08) you can definitely limit his quality of shots. He can still bang a distance goal, so basically you need to be all over him, all over the pitch. What makes Cucho the most special striker in MLS is also his playmaking. Let’s take a look at this ball:
He puts it on a platter for Rossi, who is very well closed down by Brooks Lennon. This guy Cucho can really do anything from anywhere.
Although the Crew are my MLS Cup favorites and quite literally the nastiest team in the league, if Atlanta can somehow avoid mistakes and contain the stars, they can very well be on their way to the conference finals. The new playoff format helps Atlanta immensely, since a draw in 90 minutes goes straight to pens. A bit of luck on defense, and the offense doing what they have done all year can make this series the most exciting in the league. I, for one, am definitely looking forward to it (but am also screaming, crying, throwing up, and shaking).
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