The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
United faces tough three-match strech
Team can keep players fresh by taking advantage of its depth.
CHICAGO — Atlanta United’s schedule isn’t getting any easier.
After taking seven of nine points in a tough three-match stretch that included a draw against NYCFC, a win at L.A. and a win against Montreal last week, the Five Stripes (6-1-1) now face playing three matches in eight days.
The first is at Chicago (2-3-2) against Bastian Schweinsteiger and a team that is starting to find its footing after a rough start.
The second is Wednesday at home against Sporting KC in what may be an MLS Cup preview, and the third is May 13 at surging Orlando, which has won five consec-
utive games.
The good news is Atlanta United learned how to handle packed weeks last year during several odd stretches that at one point included playing eight matches in 24 days after Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened.
Though this week’s training for Chicago was run as it normally would, next week’s will likely feature shorter sessions so the players can rest.
“Last season was a lesson for us that hopefully can carry over,” fullback Greg Garza said. “I think the healthy aspect of keeping everybody’s legs as healthy as possible is the important thing.”
That will include manager Gerardo Martino, his assistants and the team’s trainers comparing notes about what they are seeing and what the data says regarding fatigue levels for each player.
“The only thing you can’t do is ask the players because they always want to play,” Martino said.
Should a player need a rest, the roster is deep enough that Martino can give a player a match off without having to worry too much about a drop in quality.
What will make the stretch better is if Atlanta United can get at least a draw today, which would stretch its unbeaten streak to eight matches.
“You want to start off well with that first one, keep the rhythm,” defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz said. “We had a lot of games last year that it seemed like that, although they were all at home, if you play well and keep it going you can carry it from game to game. This week is a bit different because two road trips and a tough game at home on Wednesday.
“No matter what, if you win that first game, or play well, get a result, I think you can build throughout the week.”
Atlanta United may be helped today by Chicago’s playing style and tactics. The team has switched to the same type of 5-3-2 formation that Atlanta United used. However, they don’t press like the Five Stripes typically do. So, Miguel Almiron, Ezequiel Barco and the rest should enjoy a majority of the possession in Chicago’s half of the field. Not having to chase the ball could result in a small bit of physical savings.
“Everyone goes through it throughout the year,” goalkeeper Brad Guzan said. “Last year was a unique situation where it felt like 12 games in three weeks.
You just mentally, just as much as physically, you have to be up for it, you have to be up for the challenge, the little obstacles that you will face along the way, the travel, the hotel stays, mentally you have to be ready for that. I think we will be.”