United’s preseason prep continues tonight

Villalba, Escobar could see first minutes with team.

CHARLESTON, S.C. —Atlanta United will continue its preseason training with a game against Minnesota United tonight (7:30). The teams split two meetings last season. While Atlanta United (1-1 in preseason) has been busy in the offseason with the additions of Ezequiel Barco and Darlington Nagbe, among others, the Loons have been relatively quiet. The team did add former Atlanta players Tyrone Mears and Harrison Heath.

Here are four things to consider tonight:

1. One goal. That’s the sum total in two games scored by Atlanta United with striker Josef Martinez and attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron on the field at the same time. That came in the final seconds of Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Columbus and was the result of a mistake by the Crew.

Should United supporters be worried? Probably not. Nothing can be taken from a win at Nashville SC regarding the offense because weather conditions made enlightening work impossible. Atlanta United dominated possession against Columbus, but the Crew did a very good job keeping its lines tight and eliminating the pockets of space that Martinez and Almiron thrive in exploiting.

2. Barco’s progress. Barco was the subject of a few critical tweets following Saturday’s result — almost comical considering that when the team was on offense he did several good things. If he starts today, watch to see if his passes are a little more accurate than they were Saturday.

3. Defense. Atlanta United had a tendency to switch off for a minute or two in games last season, particularly after it scored. That lapse sometimes resulted in giving away goals too easily. If the MLS Cup is the goal this season, working on eliminating those lapses today is crucial.

4. Return of several players. It seems likely that right midfielder Hector Villalba and right fullback Franco Escobar may see their first minutes with the team against Minnesota United.