Atlanta United hasn’t dropped points often this season, but when it has it bounced back the next game.
Of its seven previous losses or draws, the team has rebounded with six wins and one draw.
The team’s coaches and players will get another chance to show their character Saturday at Philadelphia. The game in Chester, Pa., comes on the heels of Wednesday’s 3-2 disheartening loss at Dallas. The Five Stripes held a 2-1 lead until the 86th minute. Dallas scored twice within the next three minutes to snatch the win and three points.
“Just as a whole need to grind out that result,” fullback Mikey Ambrose said.
Despite the loss, Atlanta United remains atop the Supporters’ Shield standings with 37 points. Philadelphia ranks in eighth in the MLS East with 21 points. Most of those have come at Talen Energy stadium, where the Union are 5-2-2 this season.
Atlanta United defeated Philadelphia 3-1 in their meeting June 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Josef Martinez scored three of his league-leading 17 goals and the Union’s defensive midfielders, Alejandro Bedoya and Haris Medunjanin, received red cards in the first half of that game.
Atlanta United should be mostly healthy for the game. Just midfielder Darlington Nagbe (adductor) and fullback Greg Garza (fullback) are on the injured list. Hector Villalba left Wednesday’s game with a cramp, but should be available Saturday.
Atlanta United has hoped it learned lessons from the Dallas loss that it will apply the rest of the season. The team flew from Dallas to Philadelphia, which may help it keep focused.
“Really, quick turnaround, which is good,” midfielder Julian Gressel said.
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