Atlanta United v Toronto FC: Reds must go back to basics to halt losing run, says Herdman

John Herdman has said that Toronto must go back to basics to halt their six-game winless run ahead of their trip to Atlanta United on Sunday.

The Reds fell to their third consecutive MLS defeat away to the New York Red Bulls last time out and have scored just four goals in their last five league fixtures.

Toronto enter the encounter in eighth place ahead of their trip to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, three points ahead of their opponents in the Eastern Conference.

Herdman’s side Toronto FC has won only two of their last 30 away matches (D7 L21) dating back to September 2022, but the 48-year-old is keen to put an end to that run.

“We’ll get back,” said Herdman. “As I’ve said to the lads, they just have to go to the next task.”

“That’s all we can control at the moment,” he closed. “Just next task, back to basics, and then looking at evolving tactically for a tough match at Atlanta.”

Comeback complete #TORvMIA | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/hDgr1Nfa6P

— Toronto FC II (@TorontoFCII) June 27, 2024

For Atlanta, they are now unbeaten in their last three MLS games, having come from a goal down to draw with St. Louis City last Sunday.

Rob Valentino’s side, however, have struggled at home in recent weeks and are without a win in seven (D2 L5), leaving them in ninth heading into the encounter.

The Five Stripes enter a busy period of the campaign, playing six matches in 18 days, starting by welcoming Toronto to Georgia, something which goalkeeper Brad Guzan knows about during his time in the Premier League.

“One of the most important things is being able to rest and recover mentally and physically,” said Guzan.

So that when you step on the field for the next game, you are ready to go.”

Brad got a special delivery this morning