Match Preview

Match Preview: Atlanta United hosts Colorado Rapids for midweek MLS match

ATLvCOL_Match-Preview_1920x1080

First Touches

  • Atlanta United will wear the Forest Kit.
  • Caleb Wiley will be out for the match. He was called up to join the United States at the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina. The tournament runs until June 11.
  • This is the first midweek match of the season for Atlanta United in MLS play.
  • Thiago Almada's 12 goal contributions (five goals, seven assists) leads MLS.
  • Who's in and who's out against Colorado Rapids? View the Availability Report presented by Piedmont.

Match Details

  • Date: Wednesday, May 17
  • Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Tickets: View tickets
  • Theme: Georgia Tech Night - Learn more

How to watch, listen and live stream Atlanta United vs. Colorado Rapids

  • TV: Watch for FREE on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
  • Listen: Local radio 92.9 The Game and La Mejor
  • Live stream: Watch on your phone or device by subscribing to MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app or visit https://tv.apple.com/.
  • Follow along: Follow the match with realtime stats and live play-by-play on our Matchday Hub page.

Recent Form

Both teams enter the midweek meeting looking to bounce back. Atlanta United is coming off a tough 3-1 loss at home to Charlotte FC during Rivalry Week. The Rapids just lost 2-1 to Philadelphia Union, which ended their seven-match unbeaten run. For Atlanta, this will be the first time this season without both Andrew Gutman and Caleb Wiley. (Gutman will be unavailable due to a red card suspension and Wiley is with the U.S. for the U-20 FIFA World Cup.) Colorado, meanwhile, has been a difficult team to face on the road. The Rapids are unbeaten in six straight away matches.

Series History and Last Meeting

Atlanta owns the series against Colorado Rapids, winning three MLS matches between the two sides. The last meeting was played in 30-degree weather at Dick's Sporting Goods Park last season in Commerce City, Colo. The 5-Stripes were shut out in that matchup 3-0. Before that Atlanta United won the first three meetings by a combined score 5-0.

Players To Watch

Giorgos Giakoumakis (Atlanta United) – The Greek striker made his return on Saturday after missing several weeks with a hamstring injury, entering the match against Charlotte as a sub in the 71st minute. In his short time in MLS, Giakoumakis has proven to give the 5-Stripes a lift when he's on the pitch. In five starts, he's scored five times, second in league history behind only Taylor Twellman. If Giakoumakis makes the starting lineup on Wednesday, he'll have a chance to keep the streak going.

Connor Ronan (Colorado Rapids) – Since joining MLS from Wolverhampton in the English Premier League, the central midfielder has been a spark for the Colorado Rapids offense. Ronan has started every match for the Rapids this season, and last time out against Philadelphia Union he bagged his first career MLS goal. The former Ireland youth international has contributed to all four of Colorado's most recent goals (one goal, three assists), so he'll be one to keep an eye on for Atlanta United.

Colorado Rapids
Atlanta United
Head coach

Robin Fraser

Gonzalo Pineda
2023 record (W-L-T)
2-4-6 (12 points)
5-4-3 (18 points)
Conference and Standings
Western, 10th
Eastern, 4th
Kit: Colors
Primary: Burgundy, sky blue
Secondary: Mint, white
Unite the 404  🔴 ⚫

Unite the 404 🔴 ⚫

Stay up to date on the latest information about the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs including watch party details for Game 3 in Miami.

MLS Season Pass

MLS Season Pass

Watch the entire quest for the for the 2024 MLS Cup with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.