Match Preview

Match Preview: Atlanta United travels north of the border to face Toronto FC

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First Touches

  • Atlanta United will wear the Forest Kit.
  • This is the first match Atlanta United will be without their captain this season. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan tore his MCL in the last match against New York City FC and is expected to miss approximately 10-12 weeks.
  • Toronto FC and Atlanta United have met once already this season, a 1-1 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
  • This week, Caleb Wiley earned his first callup to the U.S. men's national team. Atlanta United head coach Gonzalo Pineda said that would not impact Wiley's status for Saturday.
  • Giorgos Giakoumakis has scored in three consecutive matches. He's the first player in club history to score in his first three MLS starts.

Match Details

  • Date: Saturday, April 15
  • Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: BMO Field
  • Tickets: View tickets

Related Content

How to watch, listen and live stream Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United

Recent Form

Atlanta United enters this matchweek on a mixed note. The team is coming off a gutsy draw on the road at Yankee Stadium but suffered two key losses in the process. Brad Guzan (torn MCL) and Franco Ibarra (red card suspension) will both be unavailable for Saturday. Meanwhile, Toronto FC is on a steady, six-game unbeaten run. The Reds have earned three straight draws in their past three matches. Five of Toronto's seven matches this season have resulted in draws, including the previous meeting with Atlanta United in March.

Last Meeting

It hasn't been very long since these two sides last saw each other. Atlanta United hosted Toronto FC for Matchday 2 in early March at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After conceding a goal to Federico Bernardeschi in the 52nd minute, the 5-Stripes answered with Matheus Rossetto's first career MLS goal. Giorgos Giakoumakis nearly had a storybook moment in his Atlanta United debut, but his potential game-winner was called back due to offsides. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, a disappointing result for the home side that felt they dropped points at home.

Players To Watch

Derrick Etienne Jr. (Atlanta United) – Etienne has added a jolt to Atlanta United's attack since coming on board as a free agent signing this past offseason. And, just as importantly, he's added depth. When the team needed Caleb Wiley to shift back to fullback with Andrew Gutman sidelined for a couple of weeks, the 5-Stripes didn't miss a beat. Etienne stepped into winger role and nearly scored his first goal for the 5-Stripes last weekend in New York City, but the finish was called back due to offsides. Etienne's quest for his first career goal for Atlanta continues Saturday.

Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC) – The Italian designated player scored previously in the meeting between the two sides in March, one of his three goals on the season. Bernardeschi, formerly with Juventus, now leads Toronto FC this season in several offensive categories, including goals and assists, and is a key figure in the Reds' attack. It'll be important for Atlanta United's defense, especially on the left defensive side, to clamp down and not give Bernardeschi too much room to work.

Toronto FC
Atlanta United
Head coach
Bob Bradley
Gonzalo Pineda
2023 record (W-L-T)
1-1-5 (7 points)
4-1-2 (14 points)
Eastern Conference Standings
9th
3rd
Kit: Colors
Primary: Dark gray, red
Secondary: Mint, white
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