Parkhurst: “We absolutely want to win all of our home games”

Atlanta United’s midweek matchup against Sporting Kansas City is arguably the biggest home game of their 2018 season up to this point, with both clubs leading their respective conferences at the moment. Ever since Michael Parkhurst was announced as the captain of Atlanta before the start of their inaugural campaign last year, the MLS veteran has always suppressed the hype around particular matches against other quality teams in the league. Time and time again, Parkhurst responds to questions regarding top of the table clashes with a particular sentiment: “At the end of the day, it’s one regular season match.”

However, when it comes to home matches, Parkhurst made it known to the media on Tuesday morning that the players do set very high expectations for themselves.

“We absolutely want to win all of our home games. Wednesday’s another opportunity for us.”

The Five Stripes have a 4-0-1(W-L-T) record at home this season, with the only blemish coming against NYCFC in a 2-2 thriller. Atlanta is 15-4-4 all-time at home and 9-2-3 since they moved into their permanent home of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Although he has set the objective for home fixtures, Parkhurst made it clear that expectations for the eight-match unbeaten streak the team is currently on should be subdued.

“We know we’re in form right now and we’re enjoying it. We’d like to keep it going for as long as possible, but we understand that we aren’t going undefeated the rest of the season. It’s just not likely. With that being said, we do want to win ever game, but we don’t feel the pressure of having to keep this streak alive.”

Let’s see if the team is able to keep the unbeaten streak and their terrific home form going tonight.