Starting XI and roster notes: Matt Edwards starts against home state team in Charlotte rivalry

A kid from Apex, N.C. gets a chance to start in an especially personal rivalry match. Matt Edwards slots in on the left side of Atlanta United's defense against Charlotte FC. He and the 5-Stripes will kick off against The Crown at 7:30 p.m. ET with a win streak and a whole lot of pride on the line. 

Joining Edwards in the defense is Tomás Jacob, Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz, with Lucas Hoyos starting in between the sticks. Atlanta United's defense has conceded just one goal in each match of their winning streak and will look to continue improved defensive form against a dangerous Charlotte attack. 

In the midfield, Tristan Muyumba, Will Reilly and Cooper Sanchez make up a trio that has carved out some significant playtime since the return from the World Cup break. 

Up top is the same front three from the last six matches: Miguel Almirón, Alexey Miranchuk and Fafa Picault. Almirón is fresh off a record-breaking performance, and Picault scored the deciding goal in that match against Sporting Kansas City. 

Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United vs Charlotte FC:

Lucas Hoyos, Tomás Jacob, Júnior Alonso, Paulo Díaz, Matt Edwards, Tristan Muyumba, Will Reilly, Cooper Sanchez, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (C), Fafa Picault

Reserves: Jayden Hibbert, Ronald Hernández, Enea Mihaj, Adrian Gill, Andrew Jardines, Steven Alzate, Enzo Dovlo, Sergio Santos, Cayman Togashi

Roster Notes:

-- Matt Edwards will start his seventh match of the 2026 MLS regular season, this time at left back. The North Carolina native grew up in Apex and attended the University of North Carolina. 

-- Miguel Almirón captains the 5-Stripes after becoming Atlanta United's all-time assists leader with a brace of assists Sunday night. He has 43 in his career with the 5-Stripes.

-- Paulo Diaz starts again after making his starting XI debut last time out against Sporting Kansas City. He was the fourth defender in club history to have 8 or more clearances in his starting debut. The Chilean brings over 350 club appearances of experience to the 5-Stripes.  

-- Alexey Miranchuk leads the lines for his 19th start of the MLS season. The attacker leads the team in scoring this season with 5 goals and 7 assists. He’s reached double-digit goal contributions in back-to-back seasons for Atlanta United.  

-- Atlanta United is looking for a first win at home against Charlotte FC since 2022. They'll play their third match against each other this season; the 5-Stripes won 2-0 in April, and the sides drew 2-2 in July.

-- The 5-Stripes are on a three-match win streak in MLS regular season play for the first time since 2021.