Midfielder Luciano Acosta returns to United's midfield rotation this weekend after serving a suspension in the season opener in Orlando due to a red card in the final match of 2017. With the Argentine available to make his first appearance of 2018, the Black-and-Red's midfield will feature an added asset of depth and skill in their Week 2 match on Sunday, March 11.
Head coach Ben Olsen now has the luxury of choosing between attacking midfielders Acosta, Paul Arriola, Yamil Asad, Ian Harkes, Ulises Segura, and Zoltán Stieber for his starting XI. Regardless of which combination of players starts, United's depth in the center of the pitch will provide a boost to the Black-and-Red late in the match, and as the team continues their road trip leading up to Audi Field.
Acosta in particular found significant success access Atlanta during their inaugural campaign. In their first-ever fixture, United downed Atlanta 3-1 at Bobby Dodd Stadium, where Acosta stole the show for the Black-and-Red. The dangerously quick midfielder used his speed to trouble the Five Stripes' back line all afternoon. Acosta found United's game-winning goal in the 36th minute, making a strong solo run then beating the keeper with a low shot in the box. The Argentine also assisted in United's final goal when he dealt a well-weighted pass just behind the back line for Sébastien Le Toux, allowing the Frenchman to break through Atlanta's defense and score the visitors' third of the night.
In Atlanta's first-ever trip to the District, Acosta made it two goals in two games against the league debutants. This time, Acosta provided the equalizer in the 23rd minute, again using his cleverness on the ball to break down the back four. While the midfielder didn't get on the board in the sides' final fixture of the season on Aug. 23, he remained a threat with his footwork and dribbling ability in the final third, helping United complete the season's sweep with a 1-0 victory at home.
Now Acosta and United prepare to play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time in Atlanta's home opener. While the environment may be difficult for the Black-and-Red, last year's successes against the Five Stripes will surely motivate the Argentine and his teammates to come out aggressive from the first kick in pursuit of controlling the match and taking their all-time record against Atlanta to an impressive 4-0-0.
