Atlanta United postseason survival and roster shifts

Atlanta United advanced to the playoffs after a 2-2 wildcard draw against Montreal that ended in a penalty shootout. All five Atlanta United players who attempted penalty kicks were successful, and Brad Guzan saved one of five Montreal penalty attempts to secure the win. This victory marks the first time the club has advanced in the playoffs since 2019. After securing a penalty shootout victory against Montreal on Tuesday, Atlanta United moves into a best-of-three series against Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, which begins this Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta sits 14th in the Eastern Conference with 30 points from 30 matches, having won 8 games and lost 16. I find the club’s success surprising since they have won only 25% of their league matches this season. This postseason run follows a difficult period where the club faced losses to Real Salt Lake and FC Cincinnati and a 1-1 draw against Seattle. The team will host the first game of the series before traveling to Miami for the remaining matches.

Almada’s return and roster churn

Thiago Almada could return to Botafogo to play in the Copa Libertadores because Olympique de Lyon cannot pay his 27 million euro fee. Because Thiago Almada is currently involved in negotiations that could extend transfer links between Flamengo and Atletico de Madrid, his potential return to Botafogo for the Copa Libertadores depends on the financial stability of Olympique de Lyon. His professional contract with Lyon runs until June 30. This movement occurs as the club manages 13 players with contracts expiring at the end of the year. I recommend the club release Brooks Lennon, whose $740,000 salary is too high for a player with 25.5% crossing accuracy. Jamal Thiare also warrants a departure because his $730,000 TAM contract occupies an international slot while he turns 33. The club should instead look for a talented U22 player to provide backup striker depth.

The club must also decide on Cayman Togashi, who earns $104,000. I think the club should let him go since he failed to convince Ronny Deila to start him over Emmanuel Latte Lath. Jayden Hibbert, who earns $80,622, is the projected starter for 2026 after producing clean sheets in eight games. Ronald Hernandez, earning $290,750, should stay as a backup after developing a connection with Miguel Almiron. This roster building mirrors the success of Atlanta United 2, where Arif Kovac scored 20 goals and Cameron Dunbar provided 13 assists.

Lagerwey’s legacy and new leadership

Garth Lagerwey will not return as CEO for the 2026 season as he focuses on his ongoing cancer treatment. He previously emphasized a strategy to sign "the best player" rather than marketing stars. This approach mirrors his success in Seattle where he won three MLS Cups and the first-ever Concacaf Champions League for an MLS club. The club now searches for an elevated president role to oversee both the first team and the NWSL side launching in 2028. Lagerwey, who joined in 2022, built his reputation on finding talent like Ezequiel Barco and Thiago Almada through his scouting expertise. He also sought to build a South American scouting pipeline. The search for a new president follows the departure of Darren Eales for Newcastle United.

I find the club’s reliance on aging stars like Josef Martinez, who has 19 goals this season, a risky gamble if they want to rebuild. The club currently has 43 goals this year, leading the league. Will the new leadership maintain this attacking identity?