Atlanta United’s Mikey Ambrose couldn’t have picked a better time for a homecoming.
Coming off his man-of-the-match performance in last week's 4-0 win against Orlando City, the fullback and the Five Stripes play Dallas on Wednesday.
Ambrose grew up in El Paso and played in Dallas’ academy. He expects about 40 family members will be in attendance at Toyota Park to watch him make what will likely be his sixth consecutive start and eighth this season.
“It’s been a good few weeks,” Ambrose said.
Ambrose, 24, moved into the lineup when Greg Garza suffered a shoulder injury that will likely sideline him for the rest of the season. Ambrose has steadily grown in confidence with each start, showing off his technical and passing ability working with Miguel Almiron and Ezequiel Barco on offense, and Jeff Larentowicz, Michael Parkhurst and Brad Guzan on defense.
Ambrose picked up his second assist of the season, and first as a starter, against Orlando when he sent Almiron down the left side with a pass for the game’s final goal.
Whether it’s clearing a ball off the line, as he did to keep Orlando scoreless, or giving a teammate a ride to the training center, as he did Tuesday for Julian Gressel, Ambrose is respected by his fellow players.
“Mikey is a good professional,” Parkhurst said. “He’s always ready for the challenge. Has been like that since he’s been here. That’s a good quality to have, especially when you know when the season starts you aren’t the first choice. Mikey always has a good attitude. People respect him for that.”
Ambrose was acquired by Atlanta United in the expansion draft after he spent the 2016 season with Orlando. He made seven appearances, including two starts, last season while playing 260 minutes. Garza started most of the games and, after being permanently acquired in the offseason, was the expected starter this season until suffering his injury against New York Red Bulls on May 20.
That injury moved Ambrose into the lineup. His 568 minutes this season are a career-high in MLS and that number will likely continue to grow as Atlanta United, which leads MLS with 37 points, continues to chase the Supporters’ Shield.
“Teammates have helped me a lot,” he said. “Coaching me on the field, and off the field. Helps to have good players around me.”
Ambrose’s versatility in playing either as a traditional fullback in a 4-3-3 or wingback in a 5-3-2 formation helps, as does his ability to be coached.
“Recently in an interview I was asked about Mikey, and I said Mikey’s like a Boy Scout,” Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino said. “He’s always prepared. Even when he’s called on in isolated instances to play, he’s always ready. Now that he’s playing more consistently he’s even more ready to contribute.”
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