Welcome back our two-part weekly MLS column here at Backheeled where we break down all 29 teams in the league.
MLS is back! Not like the 2020 tournament. Like, it's actually back. Those games you’ve been watching for the last month weren’t actually MLS games, despite the auspicious lack of Liga MX teams. Joe’s got the West. I’ve got the East. I wanna finish this up so I can go rewatch the Leagues Cup final again.
To read up on the West, check out Joe’s rundown.
Joseph Lowery
Atlanta United
Result: 2-0 loss at LA Galaxy
If you just looked at the stats, you’d think Atlanta were played off the pitch by the Galaxy. In reality, though, they were the better side for 60 minutes. They created loads of high-quality looks at goal (including two goals called back for offside) and either just missed on the final pass or lacked a little bit of finishing quality to beat the goalkeeper.
— - (@back_post_run) August 26, 2024
Sure it didn’t count, but this is such a great passing move to open up the Galaxy defense and create a clear-cut chance. As much as can be said about a 2-0 loss, this was a solid attacking showing. Granted, it was against a pretty leaky Galaxy defense, but it was promising.
Unfortunately, Atlanta don’t have much time for “promising” at this point in the season. Their defense couldn't hold against their host's attacking onslaught late in the second half and they’re white-knuckling the final spot in the playoffs.
New Designated Player Alexey Miranchuk made his debut, and while he struggled to get on the ball, the No. 10 should give them a lift in quality once he gets fully acclimated. But the Five Stripes still lack a reliable high-quality goal-scorer. And while Miranchuk is an intriguing signing, they didn’t fully reload the roster after their impressive outgoing transfer business this summer.
It’s starting to feel like the rest of 2024 is about building for 2025, and anything they do in the postseason is a bonus.
Charlotte FC
Result: 1-1 draw vs. New York Red Bulls
It was a frustrating night for Charlotte.
They conceded all the field tilt to the Red Bulls and were on the back foot for most of their clash with the New York Red Bulls. In the second half, with the match tied at one, they were outshot 11-4 and managed just 0.2 xG. It looked like a team that hadn’t played in almost a month, which is understandable. But the space they allowed the Red Bulls in the final third was quite uncharacteristic.
— - (@back_post_run) August 26, 2024
I know this comes on a counter attack, but it’s weird to see this much space conceded in the penalty area from a team that is usually as compact as it gets.
On the plus side (unless you’re Andrew Privett), Tim Ream was generally positive in his Charlotte debut and his distribution from the back was a bonus. Adilson Malanda also looked good on the ball, hitting one of my favorite passes of the week:
— - (@back_post_run) August 26, 2024
Charlotte will continue to improve, especially once new No. 10 Pep Biel gets fully integrated (he played just over 20 minutes off the bench). This game was a great example of why it’s maybe not the best idea for everyone to take a whole month off for Leagues Cup and jump immediately back into games that really matter for the postseason.
