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Atlanta United and Major League Soccer (MLS) are increasingly utilizing data analytics to gain a deeper understanding of the team’s performance. In a new weekly series called “Staying on Track” presented by MARTA, the club will be delving into specific statistics that hold importance to the team. One such metric is provided by StatsBomb, which may not immediately catch the eye but is an invaluable tool for measuring the team’s performance behind closed doors.
During a recent 3-0 victory in the Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, eight Homegrown players took to the field for Atlanta United, including Noah Cobb, a defender from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although Cobb did not start the match, he entered early to replace another player due to injury. Despite not being part of the starting XI, Cobb is one of the most experienced youngsters on the team, having already played over 500 minutes in MLS in 2024.
Cobb’s playing time ranks among the top in the world for young center backs under 19 years of age. In a recent match against Minnesota United, Cobb ranked 15th worldwide for minutes played by a player in this age group. He also ranks third in North and South America under similar criteria. The amount of playing time a player receives is often an essential indicator of their success and potential development. For Cobb to be considered a starting center back in MLS at such a young age is an encouraging sign for his future prospects. It demonstrates not only his potential but also his ability to perform consistently and earn his coaches’ trust while still being essentially still a high school senior.
