Starting XI and roster notes: Homegrown Will Reilly starts for 5-Stripes on 404 Day

Decatur's very own Will Reilly is healthy again, and head coach Tata Martino has tabbed the Homegrown for his first start of the 2026 season. The midfielder made his club debut last season and is now looking to build on the promise he showed in 11 appearances. Reilly will revel the chance to return to the XI, fitting for the hometown kid to feature in Atlanta's celebration of 404 day. 

In Reilly's first start for the Atlanta United against FC Cincinnati in March 2025, he was a revelation. His first of the new year will be in a midfield trio where he'll be tasked with a little bit of everything. Steven Alzate returns to the starting lineup alongside Tristan Muyumba, who's run of form has been critical for the 5-Stripes as of late. 

The rest of the starting lineup remains consistent from last time out against D.C. United. Lucas Hoyos starts in goal behind a defensive line of Elías Báez, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj and Tomás Jacob. The star-powered front three of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Alexey Miranchuk and captain Miguel Almirón will look to get back in the goals just as they did against Philadelphia Union March 24. 

Jay Fortune, who missed the latter half of the 2025 season after a foot surgery, is officially on the matchday roster for the First Team again. Another momentous occasion on a special day, Fortune's long road back has included matches with Atlanta United 2 in the early going this season. 

Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew:

Lucas Hoyos, Tomás Jacob, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Elías Báez, Tristan Muyumba, Steven Alzate, Will Reilly, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (C), Emmanuel Latte Lath

Reserves: Jayden Hibbert, Ronald Hernández, Juan Berrocal, Pedro Amador, Matt Edwards, Cooper Sanchez, Jay Fortune, Fafa Picault, Saba Lobjanidze

Roster Notes:

-- Will Reilly returns from injury to make his first start of the 2026 season. The Homegrown midfielder made 11 appearances for Atlanta United in 2025.

-- Miguel Almiron’s 3 assists this season are tied for the second highest total assists number in MLS. Four other players have recorded 4 assists to lead that category in MLS including Sebastian Berhalter (VAN), Maxi Moralez (NYCFC), Jesus Ferreira (SEA) and Luca Langoni (NE).

-- Stian Gregersen starts his third consecutive match. He has recorded 24 clearances in the 2 matches he has played. He ranks first in MLS in clearances/match with 12.0 coming into Matchday 6.

-- Atlanta United ranks fifth in MLS in terms of tackles success percentage with 66.3%. LA Galaxy leads the league at 72.0% in that category.

-- Over their previous nine MLS matches against Columbus at home, the 5-Stripes have scored over two goals per match.

-- Matías Galarza was listed as ineligible for the Columbus match on Friday's availability report. The Paraguayan midfielder is away sorting out his visa.