We're one week into the 2018 MLS regular season, and it's never too early to get a heat check on some of the teams around the league. In that vein, let's check in on Atlanta United, who in their season opener a week ago lost 4-0 to Houston, who ruthlessly exposed their defensive frailties. Back this week at home at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, they've got...their 2017 "bogeyman" team, D.C. United!
Ahead on Sunday's match (3 pm ET | ESPN; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada) we asked Armchair Analyst Matthew Doyle, Senior Editors Arielle Castillo and Nicholas Rosano, New Media Editor Ben Baer and Contributors Alicia Rodriguez, Sam Stejskal and Bobby Warshaw this question:
Should Atlanta fans be concerned after Week 1? Do you think they will do better or worse than last year’s performance?
DOYLE: Atlanta are still going to be mostly fine, and I expect they'll be better at the end of the season than they are at the start (which is the inverse of 2017). But they've clearly got a hole to fill, and for the time being I suspect that'll prevent them from living amongst the league's elite.
CASTILLO: It’s peak MLS to start hand-wringing about Atlanta this early, and in my opinion probably shows how badly Houston are underestimated, particularly at home. While they should sweat it a little to face Yamil Asad, I’ll wait until after they face D.C. to jump to any more conclusions.
BAER: I think we have a right to be a little worried about the current state of ATLUTD. There are definitely a couple notable holes on the roster and we know that in soccer, your weakest link could kill you. That said, I picked them to finish 3rd in the East before the season and I’m not backing off that just yet.
Almrion failed to score from the penalty spot in Week 1 | USA Today Images
WARSHAW: We should have been more worried from the start. Of all the top-end teams, their lineup has the least balance within it. We think about their ability on the ball, but their biggest weapon in 2017 was pressing and being lethal in transition. Right now, they are a pressing team that doesn't have pace at center back or a defensive mid who's used to a pressing scheme. I would guess they will still make the playoffs because they have too many good pieces not to get hot and take 21 points from a seven-game stretch at some point (similar to Houston in 2017), but I'd be surprised, as it stands, if they live up to preseason expectations.
STEJSKAL: Am I worried? Yes. They badly need a No. 6 and another center back. But let's put that concern in perspective: Even if they don't upgrade those spots (they will), their attack is still good enough to carry them to the playoffs, though perhaps with a slightly worse record than last year.
RODRIGUEZ: I agree there's a d-mid/defensive issue for Atlanta that was obvious in preseason, but come on, it's only one game! Also, apparently the last four MLS Cup champions failed to win and were shut out in the first game of the season. Maybe that means it's time to buy more stock in Atlanta's title hopes.
ROSANO: I would be more concerned if this were the roster that Atlanta would roll with all season. But it's not – they're shopping to fill the holes and address the balance issues that my colleagues detailed above. They'll get their guys and they'll make the playoffs – the question for me is, will they finish in the top 4 (thus matching or bettering their 2017) and earn another home playoff game? I think yes, but it may come down to Decision Day if they fall in an early hole.
