If you wanted to see fun soccer in 2018, you could do worse than a Union match or an Atlanta United game. Both sides moved the ball fast and looked to spread pitch out to create space for their playmakers. Atlanta, of course, did it with the unfathomable combo of Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez leading the line, while Philly relied on a gritty determination and underrated midfield on their drive to the postseason.
Both teams went through tactical revamps in the offseason, and Atlanta introduced the club's second-ever head coach, Frank de Boer. With Almiron jetting for Newcastle and South American Player of the Year Pity Martinez replacing him, De Boer had some leeway to change the team's on-field approach.