With a grueling start to their season, between their MLS schedule and the CONCACAF Champions League play, Atlanta United is playing an unusual six games in 18 days. Atlanta dropped their season opener on Sunday, 2-0 to D.C. United in the nation's capital, and has yet to win an opener as a franchise.
On top of that, they were facing D.C. United in a steady rain and chilly temperatures at Audi Field.
Atlanta United radio voice Mike Conti recapped Sunday's match with John Fricke and Randy McMichael as the team prepares to head to Mexico for CONCACAF quarterfinal play later this week.
“It takes the life out of you when you're playing in miserable cold like that,” Conti said. "It's a testament to D.C. United that either team was able to score under those conditions. It was really, really difficult for both teams to play through it."
Conti gave a great deal of credit to the home team.
"Last night was their 12th-consecutive win dating back to last year. When you keep putting shots on goal, eventually the dam is going to burst. You had that sequence when D.C. United had those three corner kicks in pretty rapid succession and can only defend that so much before you have a mistake. I don't know if there was any way for Atlanta United to score in those conditions.”
As they look ahead to CONCACAF play, Conti said the team and franchise is certainly focused on the next round.
“This is about as big an opportunity for United as playing for the MLS Cup. They are going up against a club in Monterrey that has won the Concacaf tournament three times. They're having a great year, and they’re going all in on CONCACAF. It’s going to generate a lot of media attention in Mexico. It could be seen as a bit of a referendum for the quality of play in the MLS on and where United stands right now against some of the biggest clubs in this hemisphere.”
How will this busy week shape up?
“Atlanta United is going to train in Virginia, and then they’re going right from there to Monterrey (Mexico). After the game, they’ll get ready for Cincinnati on Sunday. They’re playing six matches in 18 days. It's going to be a real test of stamina."