Atlanta United will begin a two-game road stretch that begins with the Philadelphia Union this afternoon in Chester, Pennsylvania. Atlanta’s 2-3-3 start is the worst in team history and points on the road will be quite necessary if they are going to get back on track.
The Atlanta Voice spoke with MLS Season Pass match analyst and former U.S. women’s national team player Lori Lindsey about what the Five Stripes need to do to get a win on the road.
“It’s about making adjustments,” Lindsey said.
Atlanta is 1-1 on the road this season, losing at Charlotte in the second match of the season, and digging out a draw in Cincinnati last month. Asked in jest if this team can win a game again, Linsey said yes.
“Sometimes, I think it’s just about mixing it up. Maybe this team will rally together and find some of that on the road,” Lindsey said. “Somebody needs to step up and be the culture center.”
“There’s no lack of talent there,” said Lindsey of the Atlanta United roster that includes the team’s most expensive signing, striker Emmanual Latte Lath. “I think the biggest thing is that the team is playing differently than it did last year.”
On how Latte Lath has played this season (5 goals in 8 matches), Lindsey said he is as good as advertised.
“We are seeing what he can do,” she said. “Latte Lath has had a great start to the season.”
Lindsey, who is one of only five players to have played in all three women’s professional leagues and was a member of the 2012 London Olympic Games gold medal team, Latte Lath needs to get more consistent service.
“He’s still not trying to do too much and that’s a good thing,” Lindsey said.
Asked if Atlanta United manager Ronny Deila is on the host seat at the moment, Lindsey doesn’t think so.
“I don’t think it’s lost on Deila that points are needed. It might be too early for the hot seat right now, in my opinion,” she said.
The tough start to the season is no reason to panic, says Lindsey.
“You can be off to a hot start and have the season derailed. The same thing about the other way around,” she said. “It’s just something to keep in mind.”
