Written By Adrian Beecher
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass, 92.9 The Game (English Radio), La Mejor (Spanish Radio)
This Saturday evening, the electric atmosphere of Mercedes-Benz Stadium will light up as Atlanta United hosts FC Cincinnati in a thrilling Eastern Conference clash. Both teams are in close proximity in the MLS standings, with Cincinnati holding a slender one-point advantage over Atlanta. This game marks the first of two head-to-head meetings scheduled for this season, setting the stage for what could become a defining rivalry in the early stages of the campaign.
Current Form and Historical Context
Atlanta United has been nearly invincible at home this season, securing three wins and one draw from their four matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, outscoring opponents 11-3. Historically, Atlanta has shown dominance over Cincinnati when playing at home, boasting a record of 3-1-2.
Conversely, FC Cincinnati has had varied results on the road, creating an intriguing matchup for Atlanta’s solid defense, which has conceded the fewest goals in MLS to date. The individual duel between Thiago Almada of Atlanta and Luciano Acosta of Cincinnati—two of the league’s top playmakers—is set to be a highlight. Almada leads MLS in shot-creating actions with Acosta trailing just behind, setting up a fascinating tactical battle.
Players to Watch
Keep an eye on Atlanta’s dynamic young defender, Caleb Wiley. At just 19 years old, Wiley scored his first goal of the season in his last outing and was recognized in the MLS Team of the Matchday. His consistent performances have made him the most capped homegrown player in Atlanta’s history, with 62 MLS appearances. His ability to impact the game from the back makes him a significant threat going forward.
For Cincinnati, Luciano Acosta’s ability to unlock defenses with his creativity and precise passing will be vital if they are to challenge Atlanta’s defensive stronghold. Acosta’s vision and control in midfield could play a pivotal role in determining the flow and outcome of the match.
Tactical Considerations
Atlanta United has dramatically improved defensively, now ranking fourth in the league for expected goals against per shot. This statistic indicates a significant strengthening compared to their 20th place finish in the same category last season. Cincinnati, facing such a stout defense, will need to be innovative and efficient in their attacking play.
FC Cincinnati will likely focus on exploiting transitions and set pieces, areas where they have shown effectiveness this season. The strategic deployment of Acosta and the team’s response to Atlanta’s high press will be key factors in their game plan.
Expectations and Excitement
As both teams step onto the field, expectations are high. For Atlanta, maintaining their strong home form is crucial, while Cincinnati seeks to assert themselves as road warriors, capable of taking points off tough opponents away from home.
This matchup is not only a test of current form but also a chance for both teams to make a statement early in the season. With skilled tacticians on the sidelines and talented players on the pitch, this game is poised to be a showcase of strategic depth and individual brilliance.
Be sure to catch every minute of this highly anticipated match on MLS Season Pass or tune into the radio broadcasts on 92.9 The Game or La Mejor. This is one clash you won’t want to miss as it promises to deliver excitement and possibly set the tone for both teams’ seasons.
Image Credit: Atlanta United Communications
