4. United riding defensive wave

Atlanta United’s defense is cresting with three shutouts in the past four games, and adding goalkeeper Brad Guzan has fueled the momentum.

Brad Guzan’s first game in goal for Atlanta United was a beauty and the long-time keeper had plenty to do with a 1-0 win in Orlando on Friday. Yet that shutout was part of a trend that began before he joined the team.

The Five Stripes turned in a clean sheet in three of their past four MLS matches — all wins — and two blankings occurred on the road. With Orlando City SC due in town for a Saturday rematch, it’s easy to like Atlanta United’s chances of stretching their streak in what will be its final game in Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Atlanta is 6-2 at home and Orlando ranks 20th out of 22 MLS teams with 22 goals. Orlando is also 2-5-2 on the road.

Some of this is probably about method and some about the mechanical parts — the individual players — in a machine that has won four straight league outings.

Guzan’s MLS track record, beyond his 50-plus appearances with the U.S. national team, is no less impressive than several of the saves he made Wednesday in his first game with Atlanta United.

Yet even before the newcomer showed up, Atlanta United and manager Gerardo “Tata” Martinez were tightening up while getting to know each other.

Atlanta United had just two shutouts in its first 16 MLS contests and tying a tight back line to an offense that is tied with New York City FC for most goals in the league (40) bodes well.

“We believe in ourselves a lot more,” said right back Anton Walkes, the 20-yearold Briton who replaced Ty Mears at the start of Atlanta’s stingy streak. “We’ve seen what quality we have ... and [Guzan] made some unbelievable saves. He showed his quality. He’s a great leader and was one of the loudest players on the pitch.”

Atlanta United is making noise.

At 10-7-3, the team’s 33 points rank fourth in the Eastern Conference, where six teams will earn playoff spots. The team trails Toronto FC (40), Chicago (38) and NYCFC (37) and leads the New York Red Bulls (32) and Columbus Crew (31) with Orlando (29) just below the playoff line.

Atlanta United is going to remain notable for its aggressive approach, but if the expansion team is to make the MLS playoffs in its first season and even do some postseason damage, the defense is going to play a sizable role.

Atlanta United ranks seventh in the league and fifth in the Eastern Conference with just 27 goals allowed in 20 matches.

Although Atlanta United is 4-5-3 on the road, four of its five shutouts have come away from Atlanta. They blanked the Fire 4-0 on March 18 in Chicago, evened the Sounders 0-0 in Seattle on March 31, won 2-0 over Colorado at home on July 1 and prevailed 2-0 in Columbus on July 7 before topping Orlando last week.

“There’s times on the road where you have to be smart and not take chances, the same chances moving forward [that the team might at home],” said midfielder Jeff Larentowicz.

“I think we’re tighter on the road and obviously ... Brad [Guzan] had a big night, made some pretty big saves that had chances, but you expect that.”