Despite sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference, Miguel Almiron is confident that Atlanta United can make a late push to reach the postseason, while Colorado is eighth in the Western Conference, two points clear of Real Salt Lake.
Despite a challenging season that sees Atlanta United languishing in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, a significant 14 points adrift from a playoff spot, Miguel Almiron remains steadfast in his belief that the team can mount a late surge to secure a postseason berth. The Five Stripes have experienced a tumultuous year under the guidance of Ronny Deila, marked by inconsistency and struggles to maintain winning form. Their last victory in MLS play dates back to May 28 against Orlando City SC, a stark reminder of their difficulties.
Atlanta's recent form has been characterized by a series of draws. They managed to secure five draws in their last six league matches, a testament to their resilience but also an indication of their inability to convert opportunities into wins. Their most recent draw came against CF Montreal, another team grappling with its own challenges, where Alexey Miranchuk scored a late equalizer, salvaging a point for his squad. As the season approaches its climax, Atlanta has nine MLS games remaining, presenting them with a narrow window to turn their fortunes around. However, the road ahead is fraught with peril, as they are scheduled to face formidable opponents such as Nashville SC, Columbus Crew, and Inter Miami, all of whom are vying for playoff spots themselves.
Undeterred by the uphill battle, Almiron exuded optimism and determination, emphasizing the team's ambition and the significance of representing a club like Atlanta United. He articulated the collective desire within the team to fight for a playoff spot, acknowledging that mathematically, they are still in contention. Almiron also reflected on his own contributions to the team, emphasizing his commitment to helping with goals and assists. Despite the difficulties, he expressed confidence that the team's connection has been steadily improving, fueled by a blend of new and established players.
Acknowledging the cyclical nature of soccer, Almiron recognized that periods of adversity are inevitable. However, he emphasized that such phases are crucial for learning and growth. He emphasized the need for heightened effort and dedication to steer Atlanta back to their desired position. This weekend, Atlanta will travel to Dick's Sporting Goods Park to face the Colorado Rapids, a team with playoff aspirations of their own.
The Colorado Rapids currently hold the eighth position in the Western Conference, maintaining a slender two-point lead over Real Salt Lake. The Rapids demonstrated their capability in their last match, overcoming high-flying Minnesota United with a 2-1 victory. Darren Yapi's rapid-fire brace proved decisive, countering Eric Ramsay's squad's efforts. With eight games left in their campaign, the Rapids have the advantage of playing four of those games at home. Head coach Chris Armas conveyed his anticipation for the challenge posed by Atlanta, recognizing their talent and potential. He also underlined the importance of approaching each match with unwavering focus and determination. Armas lauded the collective belief within his squad and expressed his confidence in their ability to continue competing at a high level.
In terms of players to watch, for the Colorado Rapids, Darren Yapi is a standout player. In their victory over Minnesota, Yapi etched his name in Rapids history by scoring a match-winning brace. His achievement was particularly notable as, at 20 years and 264 days old, he became the youngest player in Rapids history to score multiple goals in a regular-season match. Alexey Miranchuk is the key player to watch for Atlanta United. Miranchuk scored the equalizer against Montreal and has now found the net in each of his last four appearances.
History favors Atlanta, having won four of their five all-time meetings with Colorado, including a 4-0 home triumph. However, Atlanta's struggles away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium are cause for concern. They are winless in their last 13 away matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Colorado has lost only one of their last four regular-season matches. Based on current form and historical data, a Colorado Rapids win appears to be the most probable outcome.
The Opta Win Probability analysis reflects the odds in favor of Colorado Rapids with 42.1%. A draw is estimated at 26.7%, and Atlanta United at 31.2%.