Atlanta United kicked off its preseason schedule in convincing fashion, earning a 4–0 victory over Lexington SC Friday afternoon at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. With anticipation high entering the club’s first match under new head coach Tata Martino, the 5-Stripes delivered an encouraging performance, showcasing energy, sharp attacking movement and early signs of the identity Martino aims to instill. Though preseason is primarily about growth and evaluation, the performance provided plenty of reasons for optimism as Atlanta United begins preparations for the 2026 campaign.
Here's what happened
Atlanta United adapted to early pressure from Lexington and quickly found success by playing out from the back and making clinical transitions on the counterattack. Martino's training regimen, which players have cited for its emphasis on conditioning, was evident, as the team demonstrated high intensity and a strong desire to press and win the ball in dangerous areas, allowing them to capitalize on their opportunities.
First half starting XI
Lucas Hoyos, Ronald Hernández, Enea Mihaj, Juan Berrocal, Pedro Amador, Tomás Jacob, Tristan Muyumba, Steven Alzate, Luke Brennan, Miguel Almirón, Alexey Miranchuk
Takeaways from the first half
Both teams created chances in the first half. Luke Brennan was an outlet during the 5-Stripes' transitions into the attacking half. He skillfully maneuvered past one player and drew in two defenders, allowing him to set up Alexey Miranchuk for the opening goal of the game in the 11th minute. New signing Tomás Jacob occupied one of the midfield spots to start the match. He demonstrated excellent positional awareness and was able to dictate the tempo of the game. His ability to find space deep in their own half led to effective transitions and initiated several attacks.
Miguel Almirón was eager to impress his new manager, with relentless pressure and constant running making it difficult for Lexington to escape its own half. Miggy's enthusiasm for making runs into the channels and seeking the ball set the tone for the match, scoring twice on the day.
Almirón's first goal came in the 32nd minute when he combined with Miranchuk in midfield. After dumping the ball off, Almirón made a run through the center of the defense. Miranchuk timed the ball through well, allowing the Paraguayan to finish calmly in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Just five minutes later, Almirón had his second. In the 37th minute, the 5-Stripe midfield won the ball in Lexington's half. Pedro Amador made a clever play by slipping a pass through on goal, and Miggy ran in behind the defender and struck the ball across the goal for the third of the match.
Almirón was active all of the first half, earning a secondary assist as he found Amador down the wing in Lexington's box. The Portuguese fullback delivered a precise cross to the back stick, setting up Miranchuk, well positioned at the back post. His finish was simple for his second goal of the game in the 42nd minute.
Second half starting XI
Jayden Hibbert, Matt Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Juan Berrocal, Dominik Chong Qui, Adrian Gill, Will Reilly, Cooper Sanchez, Santiago Pita, Cayman Togashi, Enzo Dovlo
Substitutes: Toto Majub for Juan Berrocal, Adyn Torres for Matt Edwards
Second half takeaways
The second half showcased an almost completely new lineup, but the players were just as eager and committed to controlling the game. New addition midfielder Adrian Gill made his non-competitive debut for the 5-Stripes. He exhibited tight dribbling in cramped spaces and prioritized maintaining possession.
Elsewhere in the midfield, Will Reilly and Santiago Pita stood out as well. Pita brought a dynamic energy to the game, consistently seeking the ball and driving at defenders to create multiple scoring opportunities for the 5-Stripes. Meanwhile, Reilly provided a calming and reliable presence in midfield, covering a lot of ground and orchestrating play by effectively switching the field of play.
The new lineup showcased a side of Tata's managerial tactics that featured two contrasting approaches. One approach was driven by high-tempo transition play, allowing the team to exploit opponents on the counterattack, while the other focused on maintaining possession, dictating the game and effectively managing the match.
Atlanta United displayed fluidity and a strong belief in their ability to adapt to the demands of the game, something Tata has vocalized as important in the early goings of the preseason. Players were eager to embody the relentless energy that Martino's sides have so often possessed.
The 5-Stripes will next head to Texas for three preseason matches in the inaugural Torneo de Tejas. After friendlies with Houston Dynamo, Red Bull New York and FC Dallas, Atlanta United will turn their focus to FC Cincinnati for their season opener Feb. 21.
Atlanta United Digital Media Assistant Justin Granados contributed this article
