Eliminated from postseason contention, Atlanta United 2 (6-17-9) prepares for a showdown against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (15-4-13) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Coolray Field. Atlanta lost at Pittsburgh, 1-0, this past April, which marked the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
Since starting its first-ever USL season on a four-game unbeaten streak (1-0-3), Atlanta United 2 has dropped in the standings. Collecting 17 losses in 28 games since these four matches, the USL newcomer now ranks 14th in the conference.
Atlanta has one win in its past five matches, coming against the Charleston Battery last time out (2-1 result). Before this contest, the team held a five-game winless streak that dated back to early September. The club has had its most success against last-place Toronto FC II this campaign, as two of its six wins have come against the team north of the border.
Scoring three goals in the squad’s past three games, Romario Williams has provided the Atlanta offense with a boost. Spending time with the affiliated Atlanta United of MLS, Williams has recently suited up for the USL side. Last time out, the striker notched a brace in the team’s 2-1 victory against the Charleston Battery.
Strengths
Possession: On average, Atlanta controls possession for 54 percent of the match.
Passing accuracy: The club leads the Eastern Conference with an 81 percent passing accuracy.
Weaknesses
Goals allowed: Atlanta has allowed the third-most goals (69) in the Eastern Conference. The team also is last in the conference with one clean sheet this season.
Scoring: The USL newcomer ranks third-to-last in the Eastern Conference with 33 goals scored in 2018.
