New York City FC is on the road to take on Atlanta United for the first time since last year’s playoff run.
After defeating City, Atlanta United went on to raise the MLS Cup and were dubbed the 2018 MLS Champions.
Coming into this match, Dome Torrent is prepared for the challenge that Frank De Boer’s side poses.
Although he’s on a mission to earn his first win against the team since becoming City’s head coach, Dome has the utmost respect for the defending champions.
“They are a top, top team,” he told reporters. “They were the champions last year and now they are in good form, so we must recover well."
NYCFC are in good form themselves after defeating the Houston Dynamo on Thursday night improving their record to 10-4-8 and jumping up to the third spot on the Eastern Conference table.
Now it’s up to the team to ride that momentum to a good result at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
"The most important thing tonight is the team fought until the last moment,” Dome said after Thursday’s match.
“We have confidence for the next game because when that happens, you know exactly that you are able to come back. The next game is a tough game for both teams, not just New York City. We have to recover well.”
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Another challenge the team faces is a quick turn around, as they have to shift their focus to a new opponent in such a short amount of time.
“We have just two days to travel, then we have a game in Atlanta,” Dome said.
“We have to practice some things about Atlanta because they play different than our last four game’s opponents. My job now is to find the right way to play Atlanta.”
“I watched many games against Atlanta, but I need to analyze the best way to play against them. I need to find the best solution for us.”
Luckily for City their difference maker, Maxi Moralez, could return to the line-up after taking time to rest after the MLS All-Star game.
“He is ready for the next game against Atlanta. Everybody knows how important he is for us,” Dome stated.
“When he plays, the team plays different. He can score. We play with more confidence when Maxi is on the field.”
With his playmaker back in contention and his game plan underway, Dome’s eye is on the prize.
There’s unfinished business between the teams and he is ready to take on the defending champions.
