Good Tuesday morning to y’all! Jackson here with your Scarves and Spikes Daily Newsletter.
Breel Embolo is getting aquianted to his new city, and hopefully soon, his new team. The Swiss striker is now the 17th Designated Player in Atlanta United’s history, and joins at a time when the Five Stripes are in dire need of attacking threats, having scored the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference this season. So, what exactly can we expect from the 29 year old?
Per Chris Henderson, “His goal-scoring, ability to link with other players in the attack and tireless work rate are qualities that will strengthen our team from the center forward position.”
For an Atlanta side that has oftentimes looked lost in transition moments, having a prolific figure at the top of the formation who can orchestrate an attack could pay dividends for the club as players like Miguel Almiron and Alexey Miranchuk, who haven’t lived up to their billing in their current roles, could find more room and better field position in which to operate.
Embolo’s visa should be fast tracked, as his World Cup participation gives him a leg up in the process à la Junior Alonso. If he is able to get into training this week, it would seem that he could make his debut against Charlotte, but he also hasn’t played a competitive match since Switzerland’s loss to Argentina back on July 11th, meaning it could take some time to get back into proper match fitness. Embolo’s next chance at a debut would be down in Miami on September 5th.
Elsewhere around the league, Nashville picked up a major three points to go ten points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference with two stoppage time goals to defeat Columbus, 3-2. Second place Inter Miami is well and truly in the doldrums after losing at home 2-1 to Toronto FC.
San Jose has had an even worse fall off, now having lost their last five after a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Minnesota United. Yikes. Meanwhile, a surging Houston Dynamo’s win streak came to an end in St. Louis, but they’re still just two points back from Vancouver, who reclaimed the top spot in the West with a 5-0 drubbing of FC Dallas.
Top Story
Atlanta United not comfortable despite three-match win streak: “We can’t get carried away”
Atlanta United is staying grounded amid their longest regular-season win streak in five years.
Also Today
Atlanta United holds on to beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 for third straight win
Atlanta United takes an early lead before sweating out a third straight victory.
Breel Embolo discusses process that brought him to Atlanta United
Breel Embolo speaks for the first time since finalizing his transfer to Atlanta United.
Games to Watch
La Liga
- Valencia v Betis, 3:00 PM ET
ICYMI: Three Takeaways from Atlanta’s third 2-1 win in a row
Sydney and Jackson give their three takeaways as Atlanta United secure their first three match MLS win streak since 2021.
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That’s it for today! Have a good one out there.