Availability report as 5-Stripes approach final Leagues Cup match of 2025

As Atlanta United's 2025 Leagues Cup campaign comes to a close, opportunities will be abundant for new faces to make their names. The 5-Stripes will face Atlas FC at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, Aug. 6 in what will be their last Leagues Cup match this season.

We may see fewer familiar faces out on the pitch Wednesday night. Some starters have played three matches in the last week and have another MLS match Saturday when the 5-Stripes head to Montréal. The club has brought in six acquisitions since the opening of the Secondary Transfer Window. The Albanian center back Enea Mihaj was first to make his debut July 26, and the others may be soon to follow.

First things first, there are still a couple of 5-Stripes that will miss Wednesday night's contest. Atlanta United's availability report Tuesday listed three players in Pedro Amador, Matt Edwards and Jay Fortune.

Summer newcomers and a duo of 2s signings

Next, let's talk about some of the new faces who are now donning the 5-Stripes. The club announced two new signings this afternoon from Atlanta United 2: Cooper Sanchez and Nyk Sessock. The two have seen significant game time this season for the 2s and were both recently called up to their fourth and final Short-Term Agreements of the season.

Sanchez, the 17-year-old Academy product signed a Homegrown contract after impressing with the 2s this season and all throughout his youth career. Per MLS Roster Rules, Off-Roster Homegrown Players may appear in an unlimited number of first-team appearances in other competitions, including Leagues Cup. There's a chance we could see Sanchez feature for a period Wednesday night in what would be his professional debut.

Atlanta United announced Sessock signed a deal with the First Team Tuesday as well. He's played a couple of times for the 5-Stripes this season, making his debut June 12 against NYCFC. He played over 20 minutes against Pumas Saturday night, completing every pass he made. He'll be another candidate to get minutes as Ronny Deila looks over his squad for the Atlas match.

As for the other new signings, Steven Alzate and Juan Berrocal are in Atlanta still with logistics to work out before making their first appearances. Leo Afonso has been a on the bench for the last two Leagues Cup matches but hasn't yet appeared. Any of the three could bring new dynamics, one signing in each phase of the pitch — defense, midfield and attack.

Managerial storylines aplenty Wednesday night

Head coach Gonzalo Pineda will return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, now in the opposing coach's box with Atlas FC. Pineda managed Atlanta United from August 2021 to June 2024. As for the side he coaches, Atlas will also be unable to advance to the knockouts of Leagues Cup after losing their first two matches. Still, especially with Pineda on the sideline, there's pride to play for.

It won't be Ronny Deila facing him, though, as Atlanta United's head coach will serve a suspension for a red card he received Saturday night against Pumas. In his place, assistant coach Kenny Miller spoke to media after Tuesday's training.

"We want to win the game first and foremost," Miller said. "It's important going towards the last 10 league games that we can try to build some momentum and some positivity going towards the end of the season. This is our chance to do that."

Will Reilly, who also had media availability after training Tuesday, said the mentalities that drive Deila and Miller's coaching are very similar. They both have an intense desire to win, although Miller is oftentimes more expressive in showing it.

Miller confirmed the lineup will look different Wednesday night, citing tired legs and the opportunity to give well-deserved minutes to players down the squad.

"Those guys that have been knocking on the door, looking for minutes, looking for starts, it gives you a chance to give them that opportunity to go and start a game in front of this amazing stadium and their own fans," Miller said.

One of those guys very well may be Reilly, Atlanta United's Homegrown midfielder who has made now eight appearances and three starts this season. He's impressed the whole coaching staff with his ball-winning skills and energy up and down the pitch.

"He's one of those players we've been alluding to that probably deserves that start," Miller said. "We've been nothing but impressed with the appearances, the starts and the strides he's made over the course of the season. Absolutely no doubt that he can step in and do the job."

Reilly has made the most of those chances because he understands how much of a premium they are in a side with many talented midfielders.

"Every opportunity is a big opportunity for me," Reilly said after training Thursday. "For me the biggest thing has been the focus for 90 minutes. You switch off for one second, and good players punish you."

Though Atlanta United won't be able to qualify for the knockout phase of Leagues Cup after Wednesday night's match, Reilly and the rest of the squad's competitive edge is unwavering.

"Any time we go out on the field and play, we're looking to win and put together a good performance," Reilly said.