Let’s start with a crazy stat: Atlanta United and LAFC’s defenses currently have the best two goals against averages (GAA: 0.73 and 0.75 respectively) of the last three seasons in MLS. 2017 Sporting KC featured an eye-popping 0.79 GAA, but only one other team finished a season under 1.00 GAA.
That team was the 2018 New York Red Bulls. Jesse Marsch’s vicious, energetic side pushed forward relentlessly and, adhering to the Red Bull organizational credo, defended by attacking. When Chris Armas took over, he began dialing things back a notch. Success largely continued, though a limp playoff performance against Atlanta United hinted that Armas could go too far at times.