Atlanta United meet DC United on Saturday in a match between Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference’s best and worst teams. Atlanta have set the pace in MLS this term securing a league high 41 points from 63.
DC United may have a new stadium and signed Wayne Rooney from Everton, but they are experiencing yet another poor season under manager Ben Olsen. Despite making the MLS Playoffs in four of his seven seasons, Olsen has posted just a 35 percent win rate since 2011.
The Eastern Conference rivals have only played four times previously since Atlanta joined MLS in 2017. Atlanta have only won once in those four matches. The Five-Stripes defeated DC United in their previous meeting this term in Atlanta, 3-1. The Black and Red have only won three matches all season with the most recent coming in their last match. DC United defeated Vancouver Whitecaps in a dominant performance. The match saw Rooney make his DC United debut as he recorded an assist.
DC United have won just once on the road this term. The club has recorded four draws away from Audi Field for a total of seven away points. Goals have been difficult to come by while on the road. The team has scored 20 goals while conceding 27. Olsen’s side has allowed the most away goals of any team in the entire MLS. Despite giving up the most away goals, DC United have scored the most away goals. Yet, these stats are misleading as DC United have played just three home games in 2018. MLS backloaded the club’s fixture list with home games, so it would be able to play in Audi Field. The stadium just opened on July 9.
Atlanta have won 21 home points from 33. The Five-Stripes have tallied the most home goals in the East (28) while conceding just 13 times. Striker Josef Martinez leads MLS in goals scored with 19. Martinez could break the MLS goals scoring record of 27 goals in a single season based on his current form. The striker has scored 44 percent of Atlanta’s goals.
Darren Mattocks and Yamil Asad lead DC United with eight goals each. The addition of Rooney as a No. 10 will give the Black and Red added firepower. Despite his growing deficiencies in the English Premier League, Rooney can still play at a high level in MLS.
Despite Rooney’s addition, DC United have a number of problems in defence. Atlanta will once again defeat the Red and Black at home inflicting misery on Olsen’s side. Martinez could strike for a 20th time against DC United’s weak backline.