In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Rob Usry of Five Stripe Final to learn more about Atlanta United, New York City FC's opponent for the second time this season on Wednesday. Here is your NYCFC vs Atlanta preview.
• League Form: L-L-L-W-D
• Record: 6W, 6D, 11L | 24 points, 11th place
• Scoring Leader: Thiago Almada, 6 goals
• Assist Leader: Brooks Lennon, 5 assists
1. Atlanta are in decline
HRB: Atlanta has lost four straight matches, including an upset to USL Championship side Indy Eleven in the US Open Cup quarterfinals. Atlanta is 11th in the Eastern Conference but remain two points off a playoff spot. What’s the vibe like in the Peach State this season?
Rob Usry: Things have changed quite a bit since our teams last faced each other earlier this season. Bad luck compounded into a run of form that can only be described as devastating. An onslaught of injuries and bad results inevitably claimed [former Head Coach] Gonzalo Pineda’s job.
Not only that, the front office made the bold decision to go ahead and sell the team’s best two players in Giorgos Giakoumakis and Thiago Almada, effectively leaving the squad in shambles until the summer transfer window opens. Needless to say, the vibes are about as bad as they can be as every match feels like Bill Murray waking up to the same song over and over in Groundhog Day.
2. No Almada + Giakoumakis = problems
HRB: Atlanta lost their two main goalscorers in Almada (six goals, one assist) and Giakoumakis (five goals, one assist). How is the departure of two key offensive players affecting Atlanta?
RU: Very badly! That’s just the harsh truth. Saba Lobjanidze takes the reins as their most dangerous attacker but lately it’s looked like him vs the world in the final third. It’s a depressing state for the club and the attack mirrors the whole vibe.
