Atlanta United’s 1-0 victory over Charlotte last month ended a five-match winless streak for Atlanta United against expansion sides (D2 L3). The Five Stripes had won six of their first eight matches against MLS newcomers, including in their own 2017 expansion season.
Charlotte has averaged a league-low 14.0 touches in the opponent’s box per match this season. As a result, Charlotte has taken just 6.3 shots in the box per match, fourth lowest in MLS, though they are one of six teams with multiple goals from outside the box this season.
Following its 1–0 win over D.C. United, Atlanta United is looking to string together back-to-back wins (incl. playoffs) for the first time since a three-match winning streak last September. Since those wins, The Five Stripes have a record of D3 L4 following victories.
Top overall SuperDraft pick Ben Bender has a goal and three assists in his first six MLS appearances. The four goal contributions in six games equals the best start by a number one SuperDraft pick in MLS history, with Danny Mwanga (Phi, 2010) and Jack Harrison (NYC, 2016).
Atlanta United has earned five points on goals scored in the 90th minute or later this season. No other team has earned more than two points with goals at 90’ or later in 2022.
