Atlanta United lost their opening match to D.C. United 2-0 on Sunday night. D.C. found goals from both Paul Arriola and Luciano Acosta, while Atlanta failed to generate any real chances at the other end. Atlanta were also the only team on the weekend to not score a goal.
Despite the poor result, Atlanta should be fine as the season progresses. The Five Stripes got out to an awful start last season but challenged for the Supporters’ Shield all year and eventually won the MLS Cup. The same could happen this year.
Atlanta’s performance was peculiar not because they lost, but because of some interesting coaching decisions and lack of solid, connecting play on the field.