Atlanta United FC’s Post

𝑨𝒕𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅  Sunday, Atlanta United will play Orlando City in the MLS Conference Playoff semifinals. I did a case study on the side as they just sneak into playoffs & have now since gone on to beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Their remarkable playoff series against Inter Miami showcased interim coach Rob Valentino tactical evolution and dominance. After a 3-1 loss in the first match, Atlanta switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, leading to a 4-0 victory in game two with an improved xG of 3.1 vs 0.5 and a more effective press (PPDA dropping from 13.5 to 8.2). The final 2-1 win saw Atlanta's xG at 1.8 surpassing Miami's 1.3. Key improvements across the series included increased progressive passes (35 to 52) and carries (41 to 58), fewer clearances (22 to 15), and higher shot-creating actions per 90 (17 to 25). As always, to shoutout our continent , Senegalese 🇸🇳 striker Jamal Thiaré played a pivotal role in Atlanta's upset victory, scoring a brace in the first half of the decisive match. His first goal in the 19th minute equalized the score, followed by another just two minutes later to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead. Thiaré's impact extended beyond goal-scoring, his ability to find space and finish clinically was crucial in overturning Miami's early momentum and establishing Atlanta's dominance in the game, in what is considered one of the most stunning upsets in MLS playoff history. Despite this success, Atlanta United still faces organizational challenges, including the need to appoint a permanent head coach and GM, with interim coach Rob Valentino's recent success complicating these decisions. You can read the full case study below 👇 #Football #Soccer #MLS #USA #FootballInvestment #SportsBusiness #FootballDevelopment #SportsEconomics  #TalentDevelopment #FootballGrowth #SportsStrategy #FootballCommunity #Sports #MCO #MultiClubOwnership #AtlantaUnited #Atalanta #WorldCup

𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱-𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹: 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 Earlier this week, I shared an evaluation of Major League Soccer's (MLS) claim of being the world's second-best attended football league, surpassing leagues like the Bundesliga in absolute attendance numbers. While true in sheer volume, this claim overlooks that MLS schedules significantly more matches than most leagues, skewing the comparison. Amid the positive—and sometimes euphoric—reactions across LinkedIn, it’s worth taking a closer, more critical look at the data. Here’s the kicker: the road ahead for MLS is not without challenges. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. Stadium demand for MLS football has never been stronger. In 2024, the league's 29 clubs distributed 11.5 million tickets during the regular season, up from 10.9 million in 2023. Including playoffs, attendance demand reached 12.2 million, a 600,000-ticket increase. This is impressive: the Bundesliga, often seen as the world’s most in-demand league after the NFL, distributed 12.1 million tickets in 2023–24. 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀. The caveat? While the Bundesliga featured 306 matches, MLS held 522. As a result, the two leagues averaged 39.5k and 23.3k tickets per match, respectively—a 16k difference per game. Other top European leagues also outpace MLS: Premier League (38.6k), Serie A (30.9k), La Liga (29.0k), Ligue 1 (27.1k), and even Germany’s Bundesliga 2 (29.2k). In terms of demand, MLS is most comparable to England’s Championship (23.2k per match across 557 games). 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵. Some argue that MLS has shown substantial growth, signaling a bright future. However, this growth is modest. Historical data shows average attendance was 21.6k in 2015, peaked at 22.1k in 2017, and dropped to 21.0k in 2022 post-COVID. Re-accelerating growth? Perhaps—but for now, it’s incremental. 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶, 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶, 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗼’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁? Two troubling trends emerge when examining specific clubs. First, home support for Atlanta United, the league’s attendance leader, is declining. In 2024, the club distributed 48.0k tickets per match, its lowest since 2016 and well below its 2018 peak of 53.0k. Charlotte FC and Seattle Sounders, ranked second and third, also saw declines. Second, Lionel Messi’s arrival has been a massive draw. Inter Miami attracted an average of 39.8k spectators per match on the road. Such superstar effects are undeniable—but what happens when Messi retires? Sustaining this interest will be a challenge. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱. For now, the league’s momentum continues. With Messi still on board and a new expansion team adding matches, MLS is likely to set another attendance record next year. Whether this growth is sustainable remains unclear. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁. Attendance figures are based on FBRef’s data on tickets distributed, not turnstile counts.

In our latest blog, Athlete Rogen Bonn and Unified partner Cole Ballweber discuss how being part of the Nashville Soccer Club Unified Team helped them improve as players. ✍ Mackenzie Hammond #UnifiedSports #EveryoneN #NashvilleSC #Soccer #SpecialOlympics

USMNT's Concacaf dominance over Mexico eases stress https://lnkd.in/drb83xxK Jeff Carlisle, American soccer correspondentMar 25, 2024, 06:00 AM ET Close to Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the US nationwide crew for ESPN FC. ARLINGTON, Texas — At this time, when the US males's nationwide crew wants a lift, Mexico is there to present it precisely what it wants. On this case it was a 2-0 victory within the closing of the 2024 Concacaf Nations League. That's proper, one other “Two to zero” For the US on this historic rivalry, it’s the eleventh time that the USMNT has received by that rating. The victory additionally marked a 3rd CNL crown, making the US the one nation to have received the competitors in its temporary six-year historical past. As acquainted because the win is, it's an final result that appeared unlikely three days in the past, when alarm bells have been ringing throughout the USMNT. America narrowly escaped their semifinal in opposition to Jamaica, needing an personal purpose in second-half stoppage time to equalize earlier than scoring twice extra in additional time to seal a 3-1 victory. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (US) Having survived and superior, the US met its longtime rival, who gave the impression to be gaining some momentum after dispatching Panama 3-0 within the different semifinal. It's a matchup that has traditionally been fraught with pressure, with every crew wanting nothing greater than to please their followers by gaining a bonus over their neighbor. However currently, America has principally discovered solace. Heading into the match, the US was undefeated in its earlier six video games in opposition to The Tri. Tonight turned out to be no completely different. America appeared higher in opposition to Mexico, defending magnificently for a lot of the evening, having the benefit in possession and scoring the objectives at precisely the fitting time to take their unbeaten streak in opposition to their rival to a file seven video games. “We needed to remain calm and play our soccer,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter mentioned. “And you need to give credit score to the fellows as a result of I believe the depth was stored at a really excessive stage all through the sport and that was actually vital, particularly in opposition to Mexico.” TYLER ADAMS 💥 🎥 » @CBSSportsGolazo pic.twitter.com/pSFk8n9Vru — US Males's Nationwide Soccer Staff (@USMNT) March 25, 2024 The primary purpose was a 29-yard shot simply earlier than halftime by midfielder Tyler Adams, who had a 45-minute taking part in restrict as a consequence of his restoration from a collection of hamstring accidents that required a number of surgical procedures. It was solely Adams' second worldwide purpose, each in opposition to Mexico, and it was as encouraging because it was sudden. “We

### Definitions of "Close Someone Out" in Sports "Close someone out" in sports generally refers to the act of securing a victory by finishing off an opponent or ensuring they cannot make a comeback. It can apply to different contexts: 1. **To Secure a Win in the Final Moments:** To prevent the opponent from making a comeback in the final stages of a game or match. 2. **To Win a Series or Tournament:** To achieve the final victory needed to win a playoff series or a tournament, effectively ending the competition. 3. **To Eliminate an Opponent:** To knock an opponent out of contention by winning the decisive game or match. ### Example Sentences 1. The Warriors managed to **close out** the Cavaliers in Game 6 to win the NBA Championship. 2. The pitcher was brought in to **close out** the game in the ninth inning and secure the victory. 3. With a two-point lead and seconds left on the clock, the team executed perfectly to **close out** their rivals. 4. The tennis player **closed out** the match in straight sets, advancing to the next round. 5. After taking a 3-1 lead in the series, they failed to **close out** their opponents and were forced into a Game 7. 6. The defense stepped up to **close out** the game, preventing any last-minute scores. 7. In the fourth quarter, the team rallied to **close out** the match with a decisive run. 8. The goalie made a crucial save to **close out** the game and secure the win for his team. 9. The boxer's powerful right hook **closed out** the fight in the final round. 10. The team was determined to **close out** the series on home court without needing a Game 5. ### Hashtags #CloseOut #SecureTheWin #FinishStrong #GameOver #Victory #EliminateOpponent #ClutchPerformance #SeriesWin #SportsCompetition #FinalMoments

𝗡𝗕𝗟𝟭 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗻 | 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🗞️ The NBL1 North Men's basketball season tips off on April 12. Preview this year with The Courier-Mail's analysis of key recruits, players to watch, and overall predictions. 📰 Read more (pay-walled) 👇

Premier League Matchday 09 Chelsea vs Newcastle - Chelsea usage of positional superiority in central with the 'box' formation within last line and second line with Malo gusto ( 27) inverted in midfield + Cole Palmer (20) as the double eights. -Two characteristic to keep in mind is the bounce passes between Lavia (45) + Caicedo (25) to force jumps from pairs to generate space and individual tactic approach from Lavia as placing his 'studs' in top of the ball as a way to invite pair (applying cover shadow to Palmer) to jump and open up a gap for passing angle as palmer moves diagonally to become receiver. -options out wide with winger providing maximal width + follow up from fullback in attacking zone. Goal Sequence: -Chelsea would be deadly in offensive transitions from second ball recoveries with Palmer situated in central as transition starter + individual trait to scan and see the free space in-behind opposition with neto providing width and dynamics as ball carrier in transitional offensive play against rest defense. -High pressing wise, Chelsea would kept a solid and effective coordinated jumps in wide zones through anticipations to generate threating recovery in attacking third. Chelsea Build up: -In 1st phase build up, it would be their usual 4+2 (4-2-3-1) however as both fullbacks Malo Gusto (27) and Reece James (24) are situated in second line and height as double pivots, the structure changed to a 3+4 with last line staggered center backs as Fofana (27) would be stretch out as far sided CB while Colwill (6) would remain near to GK (1) as support. - Throughout this build up, Chelsea managed to take advantage of Newcastle's high press in man marking fashion as Sanchez (1) understanding the context of the situation would have time and space to find best receiver through the half space as the weak zone, Finding central forward with proper body positioning to receive and become ball carrier with multiple playing options in wide zones in attacking third. Newcastle's Build up: -Generating wide channel numerical matching + anticipating pair to free up spaces for next possessor - Playing wide to play in central - Correct behaviors through the necessary context of play  -Dynamic verticality in central progression + options in wide areas - CF with superb lecture of play + anticipating pair to become a threatening option in end zone. Today's game was a hard task for Chelsea. Despite of having the majority of possession and danger with the failed task of newcastle to nullified Palmer's involvement in possession, Chelsea was exposed in: -Requiring more aggressiveness ( in certain moments) to regain possession in opposition's build up -Faster defensive transitions. #CHELSEAFC #NEWCASTLEUNITED #SOCCERCOACH #FUTBOLENTRENADOR #PREMIERLEAGUE #SOCCERANALYSIS #FOOTBALLTACTICS #FUTBOLTACTICO #ANALISISFUTBOL #SPORTSANALYSIS #MATCHANALYSIS

At Soccerment, we recently examined an intriguing chart comparing various football leagues based on the number of dribbles and crosses per game. Some key observations: - Jupiler Pro League (Belgium) and Liga Profesional (Argentina) stand out for their high number of dribbles and crosses per game. The Jupiler Pro League in Belgium shows significantly higher averages in both metrics compared to other leagues, indicating a dynamic and offensive style of play. Similarly, the Argentine Liga Profesional exhibits a high propensity for dribbling. -Italy: Lega Serie A and Serie B are notable for their relatively low number of dribbles per game. Both Serie A and Serie B are clearly distinct from other leagues in this aspect. Additionally, Serie A is an outlier in terms of the lower number of crosses attempted per game. This trend reflects a preference for a more tactical and structured style of play, with less emphasis on individual dribbling and more focus on team play and solid defense. Understanding these differences is crucial not only for coaches and analysts but also in scouting, as players transition from one league to another. For example, a forward who scores many headers from crosses might see a significant reduction in opportunities for one of their key skills if they move from Belgium to Italy. Recognizing the context of each league can provide valuable insights and aid in making informed decisions. Data from the 23/24 season for European leagues and 2023 for the American leagues.

New Post: USWNT positional battles: Lineup spots that could be up for grabs in SheBelieves Cup final against Canada - https://lnkd.in/ec_gzbjz The U.S. women's national team's era of experimentation is nearing its conclusion, and it was arguably clear as day during their 2-1 win over Japan on Saturday, when the U.S. put together one of their most promising post-Women's World Cup performances. Tuesday's SheBelieves Cup final against Canada, though, presents one of the USWNT's final opportunities to tinker with the lineup out of both obligation to the experiment and necessity considering the players on hand.One change to the lineup could come in defense after Naomi Girma came off in the 18th minute of Saturday's win with a right thigh sprain. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore described her status as "day to day," but the injury could offer up an opportunity to examine the center back depth chart. Sam Coffey and Mallory Swanson are available for selection on Tuesday, but the former was evaluated for a concussion after the match and the latter might not be fit enough to start a second game in quick succession, so those circumstances might open up other spots on the field.Even with the potential absences, Kilgore could treat her final match in charge as a chance to hand starting roles to perceived locks like goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and right back Emily Fox. There's still a chance to answer some questions across every area of the pitch, including one about where Jaedyn Shaw's best role is as she continues to be the shining star of a new generation of players. Kilgore's choices could reveal the coaching staff's actual preferences, rather than just an opportunity to explore as many variations of the team as possible.Here's a look at the starting spots that could be up for grabs in the SheBelieves Cup final against Canada. Center backAbby Dahlkemper came on in Girma's place on Saturday and slotted in nicely alongside Tierna Davidson, almost taking a lead in the race to be an understudy to the first-choice pair. The USWNT is fairly deep in this position, though, which means the answer to who would start in Girma's place -- if need be -- is not exactly clear yet.If Dahlkemper gets the nod on Tuesday, a strong outing against Canada could count as a serious vote of confidence. The other center back in camp is 21-year-old Eva Gaetino, who still awaits her first cap. A start in a final (or a decisive pre-Olympics friendly, depending on who you ask) might be too ambitious as far as first caps go, so Dahlkemper might lead her in the depth chart for the time being. The big question mark in this category remains Alana Cook, who did not recover quickly enough from a small injury in time for this camp, but has been in the USWNT's fold for some time.Kilgore seems to prefer a four-person defense but going three at the back is not out of the question since she did just that in t