The international break has come and gone and it’s time for another Atlanta United matchday, with the red, black and gold traveling north to face fellow 2017 expansion side Minnesota United. The Five Stripes are coming off back-to-back wins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but face an in-form Minnesota side that sits one point off the top of the Western Conference.
The match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on FOX Sports South. Click here for all the details on how to follow along with the match.
Atlanta United (2-1-0)
Atlanta United has shown that their tough road loss to open the season was just a bump in the road, bouncing back with seven goals in two matches to secure six points and get their regular season humming into gear. The last time Atlanta travelled to Minnesota, they scored six goals in the team’s unforgettable first-ever win. But there is some revenge on the line, after the Loons of Minnesota scored two late goals to hand Atlanta United their only regular season loss in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
One player that will certainly be ready is Josef Martinez, who earned MLS Player of the Week honors out after his hat-trick performance against Vancouver the last time out, and delivered the same output last season in Minneapolis. As always, Miguel Almirón and Tito Villalba will be a constant threat for any defense, while Darlington Nagbe continues to grow into his role after a great performance in the center of the park two weeks ago and is back from U.S. international duty. And keep an eye out for Julian Gressel, who has been an absolute menace at the right wingback position, being named in the MLS Team of the Week Starting XI and bench in the two matches he’s played at that position so far.
On the other side of the field, the defense has rebounded exceptionally well from their week one loss, suffocating nearly every threat the opposition has thrown against them in the past two weeks. With Franco Escobar ruled out for the weekend, Tata Martino will have to decide who will replace him along the back line that has looked solid for a few weeks now. Minutes away from recording clean sheets in their last two matches, Atlanta will look to earn their first clean sheet of the season on their way to a third-straight victory.
Minnesota United (2-2-0)
Minnesota United has had a stronger start to their second season than their first, sitting in 4th place in the Western Conference. The Loons nearly came back from a three-goal deficit in their season opener, before winning back-to-back games against Orlando City and the Chicago Fire. But they took a step back last weekend with captain Francisco Calvo away on international duty, falling 3-0 on the road to a strong New York Red Bulls side.
While Calvo’s return will be a welcome addition to the back line, Minnesota will be without star attacker Kevin Molino, who went down with a knee injury earlier this season. Miguel Ibarra has shown signs of promise in the middle after his move in from the wing, but time will tell if he can adapt to that role on a permanent basis. Meanwhile, questions remain as to if the Five Stripes will have to face Brazilian central midfielder Maximiano. The midfield anchor was signed in the offseason on loan from Fluminese, but has not made his MLS debut yet as he recovers from a knee injury of his own. But he has participated in training sessions with the team, so all eyes will be on central midfield to see if he makes his return to action in Minneapolis.
Finally, Atlanta United will have to remain disciplined without getting stretched too forward up the field due to the counter-attacking threat on Minnesota’s wings. Ethan Finlay has been an effective, quick MLS outside threat for years, while Sam Nicholson, Cameroonian Franck Pangop Tchidjui, or MLS SuperDraft pick Mason Toye are all options on the left flank. And while Christian Ramirez started last week, Minnesota coach Adrian Heath has opted for the speed of Abu Danladi at striker in past meetings between the clubs.
With one win a piece between the two sides in their previous meetings so far, both teams will be eager to get the edge on their fellow 2017 expansion sides. Make sure you don’t miss a minute for the 8:00 p.m. EST kickoff by clicking here for all tune-in details.
