After 85 days MLS is back with an interesting clash right at the start. DC United hosted the reigning MLS Cup champions Atlanta United. The fact that Atlanta have never won in the capital foreshadowed that this would be a tough game for them. The visitors’ fans will still have to wait for that victory thanks to the goals from Paul Arriola and Luciano Acosta that handed DC United a 2-0 win. This tactical analysis profiles Atlanta’s new setup and will reveal why they suffered this defeat.
Lineups
The home side operated with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation where they could take advantage of Wayne Rooney’s counter-attacking and creative abilities. The biggest change in their starting XI was the new signing of Lucas Rodriguez who came from Estudiantes on a loan.
Meanwhile for the visitors there were some major adjustments for this season, starting with the personal change in coach. Tata Martino left the club and Frank de Boer has come on board, while they have also sold one of their most important players, Miguel Almiron. A crucial development for this season has been how De Boer has deployed a new 3-4-3 formation.
For this game, the former Ajax manager made two changes from the midweek CONCACAF Champions League game.
To read the full match analysis, click here.
