With Atlanta United’s season over, the reshaping of the roster will begin soon under Vice President Carlos Bocanegra.
It wasn’t the season many anticipated. The team missed the MLS playoffs for only the second time in six seasons, and injuries decimated the lineup.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is continuing to take a position-by-position look at the roster over the coming days.
Reviewed so far:
This installment looks at the fullbacks. It was a group that, when healthy showed a great deal of promise. Unfortunately, injuries affected the group. At one point midseason, three fullbacks were out because of injuries. (Stats provided by fbref.com.)
Andrew Gutman
He appeared in 25 matches, including 22 starts. He became a fan favorite because of his willingness to go forward and attack. He played mostly as a fullback, but also appeared as a centerback. His aggressiveness also resulted in him playing as a faux striker during games. He is under contract for next season.
Goals: Four
Assists: Two
Expected assists: 1.4
Key passes: 15
Completed crosses into penalty box: Eight
Successful passing percentage: 79.7
Shot creating actions: 41
Progressive carries into opponent’s final third: 28
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Brooks Lennon
He appeared in 25 matches, including 22 starts. There may not be a more polarizing figure on the team among its supporters. Some lament that he’s not former player Julian Gressel. Others point to the fact that he creates chances. Someone needs to take advantage of them. The team has an option on his contract for next season.
Goals: Two
Assists: Seven
Expected assists: 7.2
Key passes: 69
Completed crosses into penalty box: 24
Successful passing percentage: 78.4
Shot creating actions: 96
Progressive carries into opponent’s final third: 44
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Ronald Hernandez
He appeared in 13 matches, including 11 starts. He is under contract for next season.
Goals: Zero
Assists: Zero
Expected assists: 0.4
Key passes: Five
Completed crosses into penalty box: One
Successful passing percentage: 83.4
Shot creating actions: 15
Progressive carries into opponent’s final third: 19
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Caleb Wiley
The Homegrown signee appeared in 26 matches, including 18 starts. He showed an aggressiveness that belies his age (17). He wasn’t expected to appear in so many games but stepped in because of injuries. He also played as a left wing. He is under contract for next season.
Goals: One
Assists: Two
Expected assists: 2.1
Key passes: 19
Completed crosses into penalty box: Eight
Successful passing percentage: 78.4
Shot creating actions: 40
Progressive carries into opponent’s final third: 19
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Aiden McFadden
He appeared in 11 matches, including eight starts. He was called up from Atlanta United 2 when Lennon and Hernandez sustained their injuries. The former striker performed well, considering they were his first appearances in MLS.
Goals: Zero
Assists: Zero
Expected assists: 1.2
Key passes: 9
Completed crosses into penalty box: One
Successful passing percentage: 75.7
Shot creating actions: 14
Progressive carries into opponent’s final third: 14
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Atlanta United’s 2022 MLS schedule
Feb. 27 Atlanta United 3, Sporting KC 1
March 5 Colorado 3, Atlanta United 0
March 13 Atlanta United 2, Charlotte 1
March 19 Atlanta United 3, Montreal 3
April 2 Atlanta United 1, D.C. United 0
April 10 Charlotte 1, Atlanta United 0
April 16 Atlanta United 0, Cincinnati 0
April 24 Miami 2, Atlanta United 1
April 30 Montreal 2, Atlanta United 1
May 7 Atlanta United 4, Chicago 1
May 15 Atlanta United 2, New England 2
May 21 Atlanta United 2, Nashville 2
May 28 Columbus 2, Atlanta United 1
June 19 Atlanta United 2, Miami 0
June 25 Toronto 2, Atlanta United 1
June 30 New York Red Bulls 2, Atlanta United 1
July 3 Atlanta United 2, NYCFC 2
July 9 Austin 3, Atlanta United 0
July 13 Atlanta United 2, Real Salt Lake 1
July 17 Atlanta United 1, Orlando 1
July 24 L.A. Galaxy 2, Atlanta United 0
July 30 Atlanta United 0, Chicago 0
August 6 Atlanta United 2, Seattle 1
August 13 Atlanta United 2, Cincinnati 2
August 17 New York Red Bulls 2, Atlanta United 1
August 21 Atlanta United 2, Columbus 2
August 28 Atlanta United 3, D.C. United 2
August 31 Philadelphia 4, Atlanta United 1
Sept. 4 Portland 2, Atlanta United 1
Sept. 10 Atlanta United 4, Toronto 2
Sept. 14 Atlanta United 1, Orlando 0
Sept 17 Atlanta United 0 Philadelphia 0
Oct. 1 New England 2, Atlanta United 1
Oct. 9 NYCFC 2, Atlanta United 1
