After a tough loss last weekend in New York, Atlanta United will look to bounce back into the win column this weekend. They’ve responded well after a loss at nearly every opportunity this season, and will need no extra motivation in front of the rowdy and proud at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as they face the New England Revolution.
It’s a crucial clash for the Five Stripes, and it kicks off at 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For those who can’t make the trip, tune in on Univision or stream the match live on Twitter. Click here for all the ways to follow along with the match.
Atlanta United (19-6-6)
The Five Stripes are a team eager for an opportunity at a rebound performance for a group of players that made no excuses after a disappointing weekend in New York last time out. But one result in no way defines what has been an unbelievable season so far in which they sit on top of the Supporters’ Shield standings with three matches left in the season. And while that lead may have shrunk to one point last weekend, Atlanta United control their own destiny. If they take care of business over the final three matches, it will be the club’s first piece of silverware in just its second season of existence.
Headlining the team’s stellar season has been a league-leading offense, and a record-breaking striker at the point of the XI. Josef Martinez sits at an astounding 30 goals this season, and after two games without a goal –– which to most players is normal but to him this year is a slump –– he will be even hungrier to add to that against a Revolution side that he scored a hat trick against the last year at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That’s thanks in no small part to the creators pulling the strings behind him, with Julian Gressel and Miguel Almirón each just two off the MLS lead in assists this season with 14 a piece.
Behind them will sit some combination of Darlington Nagbe, Eric Remedi and Jeff Larentowicz, giving options to Tata Martino and tactical flexibility with Larentowicz’s ability to slot into the back. And while the defense is eager to bounce back from last weekend, there’s a reason Atlanta United has the league’s best goal differential, and it’s not just the electric attack. Despite Atlanta’s fluid, attack-minded philosophy, only three teams have allowed more goals than Atlanta United this season. The team will need all three phases of the lineup to come together for this crucial final stretch of the season, and that all starts with a huge victory this weekend.
New England Revolution (8-11-11)
Atlanta’s opponent this weekend is a New England Revolution side led by head coach and U.S. Men’s National Team legend Brad Friedel. After a promising start to the season, one win in their last 13 matches means as of last weekend they are teetering on the brink of being eliminated from playoff contention. Their lingering postseason hopes, combined with memories of the 7-0 loss last season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium still in their head, you can expect a motivated team seeking redemption.
Their attack is led by a two-striker combination of former U.S. international Teal Bunbury and Ecuadorian Cristian Penilla, who have 11 and 10 goals respectively this year. Bunbury brings a veteran savvy and movement leading the line while Penilla brings speed and a direct approach cutting in from the left wing. Throw in Diego Fagundez pulling the strings with 7 goals and 6 assists, and you have an attacking trident that can create chances against any team in the league.
On the other side is a new addition to the team that Atlanta United hasn’t faced before: Michael Mancienne, a defender with Premier League experience who moved over from Nottingham Forest in August. Jalil Anibaba and Andrew Farrell bring two strong bodies to the defensive line, and U.S. international Kellyn Rowe adds an attacking intent to the fullback position that the Five Stripes will have to stop.
While Atlanta Untied are favorites this weekend, they’ll have to concentrate on securing all three points with the margin of error in the Supporters’ Shield tighter than ever. Make sure you’ve reserved your ticket here, or if you can’t make it, click here for everything you need to know about how to tune in.
