Though Atlanta United leads MLS in goals scored (43), manager Gerardo Martino has said they could have more if more players would attack the penalty box.
This lamentation came after last week’s 1-1 draw with Seattle, a game in which Atlanta United missed a few scoring chances in front of the goal and missed a few more because there wasn’t someone on the end of crosses for tap-ins.
“ Something we could work on is to have somebody other than Josef (Martinez) in and around the box who’s able to score goals for us,” Martino said on Sunday. “We need to try to have more guys in goal scoring positions.”
The need has become magnified because of Atlanta United’s recent lack of success at home, particularly against teams that are bunkering in their half of the field with as many as 10 players on defense behind the ball. D.C. United, Atlanta United’s opponent Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is expected to try the same tactic.
Speaking Thursday, Martino said some of the issue is the characteristics of the players, as well as what they are being asked to do. For example, if Miguel Almiron is being asked to create goal-scoring opportunities in the middle of the field, he can’t also be in the box trying to finish plays.
Atlanta United pumped into the penalty box more than 30 crosses against Seattle. Often, it was just the 5-foot-7 Martinez trying to outjump taller defenders or outrace them to put a head or foot on the ball. He successfully did so on Atlanta United’s only goal. He has done so several times this season, which is why he leads the league with 19 goals.
But if the midfielder or fullback on the opposite side of the field from the direction of the cross can get to the back post, or if a central midfielder such as Almiron or Gressel can get into the box, they may enjoy a tap-in goal.
Gressel said getting more players into the penalty box isn’t something they can work on in training. It’s more about recognizing situations in games and then trying to take advantage.
“When the ball gets wide, particularly on left side, we need to have the opposite winger in the box,” captain Michael Parkhurst said. “Need to have Miguel or Julian around the box. Those are the guys that would make up the extra runners in the box. Either your 8 or your 10 crashing the box, at least at the top of the box for a cutback. Make teams wary of other guys in the box.
“It’s difficult for Josef against two centerbacks. He’s done remarkably well in the box against two centerbacks. It’s difficult for him. Need to get other guys in there to drag attention from him or for other guys to score.”
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