Atlanta United will host Major League Soccer Eastern Conference rival Montreal Impact on Saturday at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
The two MLS foes are fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference and a win could narrow the gap to the league leaders Philadelphia Union. Reigning MLS Cup champions Atlanta United started the season slowly due to adding new manager Frank de Boer.
The Dutchman has ironed out some of the team’s early issues as the Five Stripes had to learn to live life without former forward Miguel Almiron. Atlanta United are fourth in the Eastern Conference and coming off of a surprise loss to Toronto FC in midweek.
Atlanta let a 2-1 lead slip away against Toronto as they lost 3-2 thanks to a 94th minute goal. They will hope to return to winning ways against Montreal Impact at home.
Back home and hungry for 3 points Match Preview 📝 https://t.co/hcrZgyLQCo pic.twitter.com/dqzMhMFl1y— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) June 28, 2019
Back home and hungry for 3 points Match Preview 📝 https://t.co/hcrZgyLQCo pic.twitter.com/dqzMhMFl1y
Montreal Impact have exceeded early season expectations in the Eastern Conference. The Impact are second in the conference and just two points off of top team Philadelphia Union. Montreal Impact have won back to back games and go into Saturday’s match full of confidence.
While Remi Garde’s Impact are second in the East with 30 points from 57, they have struggled to score goals. Montreal Impact have scored just 23 times. Meanwhile, they have allowed the fourth most goals in the Eastern Conference with 29.
Montreal Impact’s goal difference boggles the mind how they have played well enough to be second in the East.
It isn’t difficult to see why Atlanta United are not higher up the table. Former manager Tata Martino’s attacking style of play left with him in the offseason. De Boer’s style of play has been slower and more methodical.
It has also been less productive. Atlanta United have tallied the fourth fewest goals in the Eastern Conference with 21. The good news is their defence have conceded the fewest goals in the East with just 14.
Montreal Impact’s last five MLS matches have all ended in over 2.5 goals scored. Four of those five games saw both teams score. Three of Atlanta United’s last four matches have featured over 2.5 goals scored. Saturday’s game in Hot-lanta is likely to see goals scored by both teams.
Atlanta United and Montreal Impact have played just four times in their MLS histories. The Five Stripes are undefeated in that four-game span posting three wins and a draw.
De Boer’s team will pick up another victory over Montreal Impact while both sides knock in over 2.5 goals at the Mercedes Benz Stadiums.