Can Atlanta United finally solve late-game collapse trend against Pumas?

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FanSided MLS

·2 August 2025

Can Atlanta United finally solve late-game collapse trend against Pumas?

Atlanta United's 2025 Leagues Cup campaign began familiarly — with heartbreak and late-game defensive lapses — as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Liga MX side Necaxa on July 30, 2025. The loss not only exposed ongoing issues in Atlanta's play but also continued a troubling trend of underperformance against Mexican opposition in international competition.

Early chaos, brief hope and a late meltdown

Atlanta found themselves trailing just 12 minutes into the match following a bizarre own goal involving Derrick Williams and Brad Guzan. VAR reviews failed to overturn the decision, leaving the Five Stripes chasing the game.

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Alexey Miranchuk provided a glimmer of hope in the 28th minute, finishing a fluid attacking sequence between Luke Brenna and Tristan Muyumba to level the score. The goal showcased Atlanta's attacking potential, but it would be their final bright spot of the evening.

Necaxa grew into the second half, capitalizing on Atlanta's fading energy and poor set-piece defending. Tomás Badaloni struck twice — once from a corner in the 77th minute and again in stoppage time — sealing another bitter defeat for the MLS side.

A recurring nightmare: Atlanta vs. Mexican teams

This defeat extends Atlanta's winless record in Leagues Cup history to 0-4. Across all international competitions, the Five Stripes have struggled against Liga MX opponents, repeatedly undone by:

Poor set-piece defending: Atlanta routinely conceded corners and free kicks, failing to mark key threats.
Late collapses: Concentration and fitness issues have led to goals conceded in the final 20 minutes of matches.
Missed opportunities: Despite flashes of attacking promise, Atlanta lack the killer instinct to finish games strong.

Fan frustration is growing, with many questioning the team's mentality and ability to adapt to high-pressure, knockout-style football.

Tactical and mental adjustments needed

Coach Ronny Deila’s squad rotation backfired against Necaxa, with late substitutions offering little attacking spark or defensive assurance. If Atlanta hope to stay alive in the tournament, they must:

Tighten set-piece marking and assign clear responsibilities.
Maintain intensity for 90 minutes, avoiding post-65-minute lapses.
Blend rotation with chemistry, ensuring their best attacking options are on the field for key moments.
Reset mentally, shaking off the weight of past failures against Mexican teams.

A do-or-die clash vs. UNAM Pumas

Atlanta United faces Universidad Nacional tomorrow night (Saturday, 9:00 p.m. ET in Orlando). The equation is simple: win or face early elimination from the Leagues Cup yet again.

Defensive discipline will be critical against Nacional's aerial threats.
Quick transitions and utilizing Miranchuk's creativity could unlock the Mexican side's backline.
Game management: Atlanta must avoid the late-match collapses that have become the norm.

Atlanta United's inability to close out matches against Liga MX opponents has become a defining feature of their international campaigns. The loss to Necaxa was yet another reminder that defensive lapses and late-game frailty continue to haunt the team.

Saturday's match against Pumas offers a chance for redemption. To seize it, Atlanta must show resilience, sharpen their set-piece defending, and finally break free from the narrative that has dogged them in every Leagues Cup appearance so far. The time for excuses is over. If Atlanta United want to change the story, Saturday must mark the turning point.