We have reached the first midweek action for Atlanta United in the 2025 season and the team is heading to Austin, Texas on Wednesday night for a clash against Austin FC. Coming off a road loss at Chicago on the weekend, the 5-Stripes are eager to get back on the pitch and secure a victory against Austin. This will mark just the second meeting between the two sides, with Austin winning the first match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium back in 2022. The home side finds itself in a similar spot to Atlanta, winless in the last three matches. Austin is coming off a 2-1 road loss at Cincinnati last weekend. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Austin FC.
Beat the heat and find rhythm offensively
Wednesday’s match was scheduled to kickoff at 8:30 p.m. ET but has been pushed back to a 9 p.m. kickoff time due to anticipated heat. Forecasts currently are calling for highs in the 100-degree range on Wednesday. After a windy affair in Chicago on Saturday, the 5-Stripes will have little time to adjust to the heat of Texas.
Atlanta’s attack has to continue to find its rhythm on the offensive side. The team ranks among the best in MLS in terms of touches in the attacking box per 90 minutes with 25.1, but it hasn’t been able to turn those touches into clear-cut chances or goals. If they can get into a rhythm and score, the 5-Stripes will have a chance to earn three valuable points.
Shutting down a familiar face
Austin’s attack is led by a familiar face to Atlanta fans. Striker Brandon Vazquez made the move to Austin after playing with Liga MX side Monterrey the past couple of seasons. A member of Atlanta’s inaugural team in 2017, Vazquez leads Austin’s attack this season with three goals scored. The team is still looking to fire on all cylinders, having only scored eight goals through the first 12 matches.
Atlanta’s defense needs to track runners on the flanks and in the box from the opening whistle to not allow Austin any momentum in attack. A clean sheet would go a long way to securing a positive result on Wednesday night.
Stay fresh physically and mentally
Playing three matches in one week is not easy. That’s the task at hand for Atlanta United this week. It’s a quick turnaround from Saturday’s road match at Chicago to Wednesday night in Austin. The team then faces another challenge this upcoming Saturday. But all the focus is on the match in Austin. The 5-Stripes have to stay fresh physically and mentally, especially with the anticipated temperatures at Q2 Stadium. The team has to come together and dig deep in order to pick up positive results. Wednesday night presents another opportunity to turn around the recent form. If they play together as a team, and dictate the tempo of the match, they will put themselves in a position to earn three points.
