It’s finally here: what may be the most important match of the season for Atlanta United, as the Five Stripes travel to New Jersey to take on the Red Bulls in a match with massive implications in the Supporters’ Shield race. With just four points separating the clubs at the top of the standings, the match could all but seal Atlanta United’s first trophy in club history –– or set up a tense final month between the two sides in their quest for the crown.
It’s a crucial Eastern Conference clash kicking off at 1:00pm EST Sunday from Red Bull Arena. For those who can’t make the trip, tune in on ESPN or stream the match live on the Watch ESPN App. Click here for all the ways to follow along with the match.
Atlanta United (19-5-6)
Atlanta United just wrapped up the most grueling stretch remaining in their schedule, bringing home nine points in six days after the West Coast road trip last week. It was a crucial stretch that gave them a four-point cushion over the Red Bulls ahead of this weekend’s matchup, putting the pressure on the opponent as they head into Sunday. It also presents the Five Stripes with a chance to clinch a major goal for this season: a win would book their spot in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League, their first run in international competition.
Critical in that stretch was a high-flying offense that scored nine goals over the course of the week. Julian Gressel and Miguel Almirón are coming off back-to-back MLS Team of the Week nominations, with a combined three goals and seven assists between them over the last three matches. Meanwhile, Josef Martinez continues to stretch his lead at the top of the history books, tacking on two more goals to bring his season total to a stunning 30. And Tito Villalba is heating up at the right time, with a goal in each of his last three games, including a Goal of the Week winner with his long-range curler against San Jose.
But the attack is only half the equation, and the defense will have to stand tall against a Red Bulls side that is tough to beat at home. The team called for improvement after giving up three goals to San Jose last week, and they responded beautifully with a clean sheet against a strong Real Salt Lake attack. Jeff Larentowicz’s versatility has been huge with his ability to play in midfield or the back line, while Michael Parkhurst, Leandro González Pirez, Franco Escobar and Chris McCann give Tata Martino plenty of options in defense. And that arsenal gained another weapon this weekend, after a strong performance from 16-year-old George Bello in his first MLS start. Outside of a few long-term absences, the team is fit, firing and focused ahead of their huge match up North.
New York Red Bulls (18-7-5)
While Atlanta United remains on a near-historic pace this season, the Red Bulls have stayed on pace every step of the way. Despite a midseason coaching change, the Red Bulls remain one of the most well-drilled teams from front to back in all of MLS.
They will be without perhaps their most important player up top, with Bradley Wright-Phillips suspended for the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Only Josef Martinez has scored more than the Englishman this year, so replacing him is no easy task. Haitian international Derrick Etienne will likely be the one filling his spot in the lineup, but it will be a job by committee, with Daniel Royer and Marc Rzatkowski providing consistent threats from the wings.
But the Red Bulls have weapons from front to back, and their midfield will be a key battle for Atlanta United to win. U.S. international Tyler Adams brings energy, defensive pressure and pinpoint passing to the center of the park. Meanwhile, Paraguayan international Alejandro Romero –– or Kaku –– who may be the frontrunner for MLS Newcomer of the Year, brings quality, creativity and the incisive pass. But most importantly, the Five Stripes will have to get through a defensive line that has conceded the fewest goals in MLS this year, including one of the strongest center back pairings in the league in Aaron Long and Tim Parker.
It’s two of the strongest teams in all of MLS, and it shows in the standings. With the biggest regular season prize on the line, it is a vital result for both teams, and one you won’t want to miss. If you can’t make the trip to New York, tune in on ESPN 1:00 p.m. ET or click here for everything you need to know about how to follow along.
