Gerardo Martino's Second Tenure Ends With Atlanta United Missing Playoffs Again
The return of the 2018 MLS Cup champion coach failed to reverse a five-win season, leaving the team with a 9-18-6 record and last place in key offensive categories.
By Leila Reynolds ·
Gerardo Martino returned to Atlanta United for the 2026 season with the express goal of restoring the club to championship contention. Fans viewed the appointment of the manager who led the team to the 2018 MLS Cup title as a corrective measure after a previous campaign that yielded only five victories. The hope was that Martino’s experience would stabilize a roster that had struggled to find consistency.
The season concluded Saturday with a match against the New York Red Bulls, ending the regular schedule for Atlanta United. The team finished with a record of nine wins, 18 losses, and six draws. This result secured a third playoff absence in the franchise’s history, marking a continued cycle of underperformance despite high-profile coaching changes.
Statistical analysis reveals a team that competed near the bottom of Major League Soccer in nearly every metric. Atlanta United ranked 24th in the league with an average of 1.3 goals scored per match. The defense allowed 1.7 goals per game, placing the team 19th in that category. Shots on target averaged 4.2 per match, a figure that placed the squad 28th in the league.
The arrival of international striker Breel Embolo did not resolve the offensive stagnation. The attack failed to generate sufficient volume to compensate for defensive lapses. Goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos conceded 57 goals during the season. This total followed the retirement of Brad Guzan, who historically maintained a lower goals-against average throughout his career.
Martino expressed disappointment in his assessment of the season’s trajectory. He stated that the team was not performing at the level required to contend for a championship. The manager acknowledged that the squad lacked the necessary depth and tactical discipline to sustain a winning record over the full campaign.
The coaching staff identified a lack of defensive cohesion as a primary issue. The team struggled to maintain structure during transitions, allowing opponents to capitalize on spacing errors. Martino noted that the group required more time to integrate new players and establish a consistent defensive shape.
The season’s final stretch saw the team drop crucial points against direct rivals. A late-season collapse against the Toronto FC and other competitors eliminated any mathematical chance of advancing to the postseason. The team finished the year without the momentum needed to challenge for a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference.
Martino’s comments indicated a willingness to continue in the role despite the outcome. He emphasized that the foundation laid during the season would serve as a starting point for future improvements. The manager credited the players for their effort while acknowledging the need for targeted roster adjustments before the next campaign begins.
