Atlanta United begins a busy week on the road this weekend against Chicago Fire FC. The 5-Stripes are coming off a 1-1 draw at home vs. Nashville SC last weekend and are in search of their first road victory of the season. Atlanta enters this weekend with 10 points, three behind Chicago in the Eastern Conference standings. Chicago is winless in its last six matches after drawing 0-0 against Orlando City last weekend. The Fire have yet to win a home match in 2025, picking up four draws in five matches so far. With two more matches next week, Atlanta needs to get off to a good start with points on Saturday. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Chicago Fire FC.
Build on first 30 minutes from last weekend
Against Nashville last weekend, Atlanta put together a good first 30 minutes. The team was on the front foot pressuring Nashville and not allowing them any time and space to create. The 5-Stripes were in the attacking half for most of that time period and rewarded themselves with the opening goal through Miguel Almirón. Atlanta has to build on that first 30 minutes this weekend and continue to build up its confidence to put together longer stretches of dominance on the pitch.
It also needs to avoid any drop-off in performance or concentration after scoring or conceding this weekend. If Atlanta can play on the front foot and put Chicago under pressure for long periods of time, it should create scoring opportunities. Chicago has allowed the second-most clear-cut chances (15) in the league through the first 11 matches. Atlanta has to take advantage of those opportunities on Saturday to steal three points on the road.
Be aware of Cuypers around the box at all times
The Fire are in a similar spot to Atlanta coming into this weekend’s match on Saturday. They only picked up one point in the month of April. They suffered a big defeat at Nashville a couple of weeks ago when they lost 7-2 on the road. They have only scored five goals in five home matches combined this season. They still present a challenge for the 5-Stripes defense. Striker Hugo Cuypers has found his form this season. The Belgian striker has netted seven goals and added two assists in 11 matches. He’s benefitted from the arrival of Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel who has tallied four assists in 2025 so far. Atlanta’s defense needs to be aware of Cuypers’ movement in and around the box at all times. If it can cut off the service from the wings and force Chicago to break the team down through the middle, Atlanta should be in good shape to earn a result on Saturday.
Convert transition opportunities in attack
When you go on the road in MLS, you expect the home team to dictate the action. In those moments, it’s important for the road team to be compact defensively and take advantage of transition opportunities when they arise. Atlanta has to do a better job of converting those transition moments in the attack. They have to put together crisp passes in the middle of the pitch that can breakdown Chicago’s defense. From there, Atlanta needs to find its speedy playmakers to create scoring chances. Saturday will be another chance for Almirón and Latte Lath to show off their speed and trouble Chicago’s defense. If they can score, especially early in the match, Atlanta could be coming home with a big road win.
Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. ET when the action kicks off at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).
