Atlanta United: 5 questions with D.C. United beat reporter

March 5, 2017, Atlanta: Atlanta United defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez soars to the ball over a N.Y. Red Bulls player during the second half on Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

March 5, 2017, Atlanta: Atlanta United defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez soars to the ball over a N.Y. Red Bulls player during the second half on Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Atlanta United will host D.C. United at 3 p.m. Sunday at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.

The game will be televised on FS1 and can be heard on 92.9FM.

Steven Goff, beat reporter for D.C. United and soccer for the Washington Post, answered five questions ahead of the game. You can follow Goff on Twitter at @SoccerInsider.

Q: What has happened to D.C. United’s offense?

A: The injury absence of playmaker Luciano Acosta in the first two matches set back the attack. Upon his return, United labored to regain the rhythm that carried the club late last season. With Acosta clicking, United has looked pretty good. And with him missing most of Saturday’s match at New England with a minor ankle ailment, the club scored twice in the first half and hit the woodwork three times.

Q: The chemistry the team had during its run in 2016, is it still there?

A: With almost all of the regulars returning this season, United figured to retain its chemistry. The early results, though, have been mixed. At times, the performance has been synchronized, at others it’s been disjointed. Ben Olsen, though, likes this group and is optimistic about the bonds carrying it through any rough times.

Q: Which player has improved most this season?

A: It’s probably not apt to say a rookie has improved so early in his career, but Ian Harkes is making notable strides in central midfield. He is gaining confidence and understanding with each match.

Q: Which player needs to improve?

A: United needs stronger play from defensive midfield, a position supporting the two attack-oriented central figures (Acosta and Harkes). Marcelo Sarvas is a true pro and a warrior but is on the back side of his long career. Disrupting opposing forays, shielding the backline and doing the dirty work behind the attackers is critical to United’s success.

Q: What is the matchup to watch on Sunday?

A: I’m curious to see how United’s lone striker (whether it’s Patrick Mullins, Sebastien Le Toux or someone else) fares against Atlanta’s central defenders. Whoever it is, he’ll need to apply high pressure and occupy their attention in order to create space for Acosta and Harkes. Some menace in the box would also help the cause as United, a notoriously toothless away side, aims to sustain its road bite.