Atlanta United (6-7-3) will host Colorado (5-9-1) on Saturday at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Atlanta United is 4-2-0 at home this season, and Colorado is 0-6-0 on the road.
John Meyer (@johnmeyer), who covers the Rapids for the Denver Post, answered three questions ahead of the game:
1. What has been the key during the team’s recent winning streak?
A: Having compiled the second-best record in the league last year, the Rapids suffered some gut-wrenching defeats on late goals early this season that rocked their confidence, and their lineup was in flux because of injuries and suspensions. They have gotten some lineup continuity in recent weeks and their confidence has grown, especially in light of some come-from-behind wins that keep them believing late in games. Confidence in the team concept is crucial to them because coach Pablo Mastroeni wants them to be aggressive in the attack. When they get tentative, they get beat, most recently in a 3-1 home loss to Los Angeles Wednesday. They were tied 1-1 at the half but started "lulling ourselves to sleep" in the second half, as Mastroeni put it.
2. What is the matchup to watch?
A: Josef Martinez vs Rapids center backs Axel Sjoberg and Kortne Ford. At 6-foot-7, Sjoberg is one of the tallest players in the world. A native of Sweden who played for Marquette University, he has developed into one of the league's top defenders. He was injured in the second game of the season, missing two months, and his absence was a big reason for Colorado's slow start this season. Ford is a rugged rookie who sometimes makes positional mistakes because of his inexperience, but he is an exceptional athlete who projects to have a great future in MLS.
3. Atlanta United has had trouble defending crosses and set pieces this season, is Colorado good at those?
A: This could well be key because Colorado's attack is built wingers and fullbacks attacking and crossing balls into the area. Striker Kevin Doyle, a designated player who is one of their targets, suffered an apparent broken hand Wednesday night, and it's unknown whether he will be able to play. And because the Rapids played Wednesday night, Mastroeni may choose to rest the team's other top forward, Dominique Badji. But whomever plays up front, look for Colorado to attack from the wings.
