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Having watched Atlanta FC’s rocky start to the season, I can’t help but feel that their opening loss to National U—a 3-1 defeat that exposed some real vulnerabilities—set the tone for what’s been a challenging few weeks. I remember thinking at the time, if they don’t fix their midfield distribution, it’s going to be a long season. And sure enough, head coach ‘RDJ’ didn’t mince words afterward. He came out publicly and called for his setters—the creative engines of this team—to step up their game. That kind of blunt critique from a coach isn’t something you hear every day, and it tells me just how critical this weekend’s matchup against Soccer XI really is.

When I look at Soccer XI, what stands out to me is their relentless pressing system. They don’t give you an inch in the middle third, and they’ve forced turnovers leading to goals in three of their last four outings. Their defensive midfielder, Marco Silva, averages something like 4.2 interceptions per 90 minutes—a stat that jumps off the page. Atlanta’s setters, especially playmaker James Rivera, are going to have to be sharper and quicker in possession than they were against National U. In that game, Rivera completed just 78% of his passes in the opponent’s half, a number that simply won’t cut it against a side as organized as Soccer XI. I’ve always believed that a team’s setter isn’t just a passer—they’re the emotional barometer of the squad. When they’re confident, the whole team lifts. When they’re rattled, the structure tends to fray.

That’s why I think Atlanta’s winning strategy has to start with ball retention and midfield control. If I were in RDJ’s shoes, I’d instruct my wingers to drop a little deeper, creating overloads in central areas and giving Rivera more short, safe options to play through pressure. It’s not just about avoiding mistakes—it’s about building rhythm. Soccer XI thrives on disrupting that rhythm, so Atlanta needs to be proactive, not reactive. One thing I’d love to see them try is early switches of play. Soccer XI’s full-backs push high, and if Atlanta can exploit those wide spaces quickly, they could turn defense into attack in a matter of seconds.

On the flip side, Soccer XI will likely look to target Atlanta’s left side, which looked vulnerable in transition during that National U match. Their right winger, Diego Lopez, is rapid—I’d guess his top speed is around 34 km/h—and he loves to cut inside onto his stronger foot. If Atlanta’s left-back isn’t disciplined, Lopez could have a field day. But here’s where RDJ’s public challenge could pay off. By putting the spotlight on his setters, he’s not just criticizing—he’s empowering. I’ve seen it before: when a coach shows that level of trust, even through public critique, players often respond with a point to prove.

In terms of personnel, I’m really hoping we see young midfielder Ben Carter get more minutes. He only played about 20 minutes against National U, but in that short spell, he completed 94% of his passes and showed a composure beyond his years. Throwing him into the deep end against Soccer XI might seem risky, but sometimes you need that fearless energy to unsettle a well-drilled opponent. And let’s not forget set-pieces. Soccer XI has conceded two goals from corners this season already. If Atlanta can win a few early dead-ball situations, it might just ease the pressure on their midfield and allow those setters to play with the freedom RDJ is asking for.

At the end of the day, matches like these often come down to mentality. Atlanta looked nervous after going behind against National U, and they never really recovered. Against Soccer XI, they can’t afford that kind of emotional dip. They need to start strong, maybe even take a few calculated risks early on. Personally, I’d like to see them press higher up the pitch in the first 15 minutes—force a mistake, get the crowd involved. Stats show that nearly 40% of goals in this league are scored in the opening half-hour, so a fast start could be decisive.

When the final whistle blows, I believe this game will be remembered as a test of Atlanta’s character as much as their tactics. RDJ has laid down the gauntlet. Now it’s up to the players—especially those setters—to respond. If they can control the tempo, stay disciplined out of possession, and take their chances when they come, I’m backing Atlanta to edge this one 2-1. But if they let Soccer XI dictate the flow, it could be another long afternoon. Whatever happens, this is one of those matchups that could define their season—and I, for one, can’t wait to see how they rise to the occasion.