Coming off back-to-back wins for the first time this season, Atlanta United looks to close out the week on another high note with a win at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday night. The 5-Stripes left it late in midweek action when they scored twice in the last 10 minutes of the match to defeat rivals Orlando City SC. The Red Bulls are also coming in on a high note having won their last two matches against D.C. United and Charlotte FC. Both sides are looking to close out the first half of the season with momentum heading into the June international break. Letās take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against New York Red Bulls.
Bring resilience and team spirit on the road
Following two home matches where Atlanta Unitedās team spirit and resiliency was tested, the next step for the team is to carry that momentum with it on the road. Away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 5-Stripes are still looking for three points. They have been close a couple of times with draws at Austin FC and FC Cincinnati, but three points have eluded them on the road so far.
The attack has come to life over the last couple of matches. Atlanta leads the league in clear-cut chances created over the past four matchdays. They also scored eight goals in those four matches, the fifth-highest mark during that stretch of play. If they can continue that attacking prowess on Saturday and convert their clear chances, they will be in a position to close out the week with nine points.
Stop the former Bundesliga stars
New York is led by a couple of former German Bundesliga standouts. Midfielder and team captain Emil Forsberg is the creative force in midfield. The former Leipzig star has put together a solid season so far with 10 goal contributions (five goals and five assists). This season he was joined by striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, the former Bayern Munich and Paris St. Germain player. Choupo-Moting leads the team with nine goals on the season. Atlantaās defense needs to remain focused for the full 90 minutes on the road. You donāt want to give a team like New York the early momentum on Saturday night. The 5-Stripes need to also be careful in and around the box. New York has drawn five penalties on the season already, the second-highest total in the league.
Utilize squad depth this weekend
Saturday night is the third match in seven days for Atlanta United. Add in the travel to Sports Illustrated Stadium and the team will have to battle not only its opponent, but fatigue on Saturday. Thatās where squad depth will play an important factor. Head coach Ronny Deila has options on the bench and it will be interesting to see when and how he chooses to utilize them. The bench has made an impact in each of the last two matches for the 5-Stripes. Jamal ThiarĆ© has scored in back-to-back matches, while midfielder Mateusz Klich recorded an assist against Cincinnati and drew a red card against Orlando. The bench will once again be counted on to make an impact on Saturday night to close out the first half of the 2025 season.
