Atlanta United is headed into the weekend without a win through three games and with far too many questions. Is Lucas Hoyos the right man in goal? Will Emmanuel Latte Lath ever score a goal again? Is Miguel Almiron finished being an elite, game-changing player on the pitch? Is Tata Martino the right manager for the job?
Apple TV’s MLS 360 lead host Kevin Egan took time to talk to The Atlanta Voice about the upcoming match against the Philadelphia Union (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.) and why, though there is reason for concern, Atlanta United manager Eduardo “Tata” Martino and his staff will get the ship back on course.
The 0-3 start has been the headline to this point of the season, but Egan says Martino has been there and done that during his tenured career.
“Of course, anytime you start with the worst record to start a season in franchise history, there’s cause for concern, but the position for me is that the man in charge understands how to win,” Egan said.
Atlanta United has managed to score just two goals in three games this season. The lack of scoring can’t be ignored, but the quality efforts by Alexey Miranchuk (both goals) and Latte Lath (an assist on Saturday) are something to hang on to headed into Saturday’s game, says Egan.
“He’s not been goal-dangerous,” Egan said of Latte Lath. “There’s talent there, and sometimes it takes time to settle in when you move. So, I hope to see him settle. He’s such an important piece to the club.”
Latte Lath scored seven goals in 30 matches last season, his first with the club and first in MLS.
Egan said that Latte Lath, whom he calls “explosive,” needs to score in double digits to properly meet the immense expectations of his contract.
“There’s a lot to figure out,” Egan said.
Hoyos cannot shoulder all the defensive issues on this team, but Atlanta United’s opponents have scored 7 goals this season. Asked if the Argentine newcomer was the right man to play in between the pipes, Egan said there needs to be improvement at that position, but acknowledged that Martino brought Hoyos to Atlanta and Major League Soccer for a reason.
“For Hoyos, I think he’s really got to improve. If he continues to show cracks, more and more teams will target him,” Egan said. “He’s had a really good career, and you don’t become a bad goalkeeper overnight.”
