Why Atlanta United is poised to enjoy a strong finish to its inaugural campaign

The midway mark of the 2017 MLS season is around the corner and for Atlanta United, a strong second stanza is certainly in the cards. Although Tata Martino's side has endured its fair share of growing pains in its maiden season, the team has emerged as a genuine threat.

It's too early to call Atlanta United the best new team in MLS history, though there are signs that that particular conversation isn't entirely unrealistic. But, with an incredibly talented cast of players, Martino's team is certainly poised to enjoy a strong finish to its debut year.

Don't let Atlanta's seventh-placed spot fool you; the team is putting up the same numbers as first-placed Toronto FC, at least in attack, where Atlanta has shown its greatest strength; Victor Vazquez and Yamil Asad each boast a league-leading eight assists, while Sebastian Giovinco and Josef Martinez both have six goals, despite the latter missing 10 matches with injury. Hector Villalba also boasts six strikes and four assists, putting him in the same breath as Giovani dos Santos, Alberth Elis, and Jack Harrison.

Then there's Miguel Almiron, the 23-year-old Paraguayan who is enjoying a Newcomer of the Year-worthy debut season. With eight goals and four assists, Almiron has emerged as the catalyst in Atlanta's high-press attack; through him flows the ball on any attacking play. His penchant for pretty goals and imposing creative play will soon garner attention from abroad, and he and his teammates have combined to form a ruthless offensive unit.

In fact, no team has been as clinical as Atlanta in front of goal this season, as Martino's side has amassed 31 goals over 15 matches, good for first overall in the league - in at least one fewer match than any of its opponents, too. That figure, coupled with 27 assists (fourth most in the league) seems to indicate that Atlanta is busy and imposing in attack, but the truth is quite the opposite; the Five Stripes have but 165 shots in total, the third fewest in the league. Low shot creation, coupled with its high conversion rate in front of goal, tells the story of a team that knows how to finish its chances.

The question is how Atlanta can maintain that level of efficiency, but having Martinez back in the fold isn't likely to put a dent in the goals column; if anything, Atlanta should be creating more chances to score. That's terrifying.

On the defensive end, Atlanta is still working on sorting out its best practices and shape, but that is an endeavor that always takes time; no amalgamation of defenders works without first building a level of understanding among its ranks and in that regard, Martino has seen steady progress. This summer, the club also welcomes another leading voice in its back line.

As was the case when Tim Howard joined the Colorado Rapids, Atlanta is set to welcome U.S. national team goalkeeper Brad Guzan to its ranks despite already boasting a more than capable shot-stopper in Alec Kann. But Guzan has a vast amount of Premier League experience, and that will help command an otherwise average defensive line into tip-top shape.

All this, coupled with a schedule that sees Atlanta play 11 of its last 17 matches at home in front of sellout crowds at Bobby Dodd Stadium means the team is on track to finish the year with more than a playoff spot in mind. If Martino's side continues to execute effectively and avoid injury, there's no reason why a top-spot challenge isn't feasible.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)