America will face MLS team Atlanta United on March 11 in the quarterfinals of the ConcaChampions league. Though this hasn’t been the first time these teams will face each other, America has a chance of defeating Atlanta in el Estadio Azteca. Here is what America needs to do.
1. Coach Miguel Herrera needs to stop playing with five defenders, and play a solid 1-4-4-2.
It has been proven that America cannot and does not know how to play with five defenders. In my previous post, in the game against Pumas I explained that when Herrera changed his tactics to five defenders, that is what caused Pumas to score two goals. In their game against Necaxa on Feb. 29, Herrera once again played with five defenders and lost 3-0. Earlier in the season, America played with four defenders and defeated Atlas, Puebla and Queretaro. Therefore, America has always played on the offensive side. Herrera has to risk the game and play with their top offensive players, and leave the defense alone.
This is how America should play against Atlanta.
If Herrera uses this formation and these players, America will have a chance to win since these are America’s strongest players in the league. As stated above, the only changes that Herrera must make in the formation is to take out an attacker for another attacker. This means that he must play offensively the whole game. For example, Henry Martin or Federico Viñas must be substituted for Giovani Dos Santos. Another example would be, taking out Andres Ibargüen or Luis Suarez for Alonso Escoboza another attacker. If Herrera stays away from setting the team back, America has a higher chance of scoring more than one goal.
2. Unlike Atlanta, they are barely starting their season, while America is halfway through the Liga Mx.
For America, this is an advantage since the players have had more time to adapt and connect on the field. Unlike Atlanta, they are barely in the second game of the season.
3. America needs to be humble and not underestimate Atlanta
As I previously mentioned, this is not the first time America and Atlanta faced each other. On Aug. 14, 2019, Atlanta United defeated America 3-2 in the Campeon de Campeones Cup. Unfortunately, Atlanta took advantage of America’s rookie mistakes. Before the game, America was seen as the favorite team. America came into the game believing they could easily defeat the underdog. America was the first Mexican team to lose against an MLS team. This created a lot of criticism against America, and now the team must play it all to avoid the criticism.
4. America should have individual marking for Emerson Hyndman and Ezequiel Barco
It is not surprise that Hyndman is once again the hero of Atlanta United. Hyndman in 2019 scored the first goal against America (1-0) in the Campeon de Campeones. At the start of the MLS 2020 season, Hyndman has a total of two goals out of two games. In addition, Barco follows the same footsteps as Hyndman. Barco also has two goals in the MLS out of two games. America’s defense must watch out for these players that they can connect on the field.
5. America must take advantage of the climate and the high altitude
Mexico City is known for its 7,350-foot elevation level which can make it hard for athletes to compete. Compared to Atlanta, which its elevation is at 1,050, condition wise this can make it hard for the Atlanta players.
If America follows these steps, they will be able to win in the quarterfinals. The club must have a strong offense and press through the whole 90 minutes. Herrera should refrain from setting back the team and allow Viñas, Martin and/or Dos Santos to create danger in Atlanta’s defensive zone. America has a strong team, and should show why they are the greatest club in Mexico.
The Powerful Eagles ⏐ Las Poderosas Águilas 