Atlanta United closes out a busy week of action with a home match against Philadelphia Union on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 5-Stripes are coming off a 1-1 draw at Austin FC in midweek, while the Union earned a 3-2 come-from-behind victory against the LA Galaxy. It’s the final match of a three-match week for both teams and Atlanta is looking to end the week on a high note with three points at home. It’s the second matchup between the sides this year, with Philadelphia getting a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture at Subaru Park in April. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Philadelphia Union.
Utilize teams’ speed in attack
Atlanta’s attack features several players who can bring a lot of pace to the match each and every week. Whether it’s Latte Lath or Jamal Thiaré up top, both players can punish defenders with their speed. Miguel Almirón, Saba Lobjanidze or even Edwin Mosquera can bring pace from midfield and the winger positions. Atlanta needs to get on the ball early and often against Philadelphia and test the Union backline with that pace. Whether that’s through quick switches from side to side or looking for early balls behind the last defensive line, there are a lot of ways to unsettle a solid defensive backline which the Union have. If Atlanta can find runners and push the tempo in attack, it can create scoring opportunities and breakthrough against Philadelphia on Saturday night.
Don’t allow time and space in the box for Tai Baribo
Philadelphia made some changes in the offseason to its attack. Gone is perennial MVP candidate Daniel Gazdag and enter Tai Baribo. The Israeli striker has been one of the top performers in MLS this season. His brace on Wednesday lifted Philadelphia to a dramatic comeback win against the LA Galaxy. Baribo now leads the Golden Boot race with 10 goals this year. He’s been remarkably efficient as well, scoring 10 goals on just 13 shots on target. Atlanta’s defense, which recently has switched formations to a back five, needs to ensure that Baribo doesn’t get any quality scoring chances in and around the box. If the 5-Stripes can shut out Baribo, they have a good chance of shutting out the Union and earning a much-needed clean sheet.
Be alert to start each half
One of the keys to getting three points on Saturday for Atlanta is to be switched on from the jump in each half. Philadelphia has scored four goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season and has added seven goals in the opening 15 minutes of second halves this season. The start of second halves have been an Achilles heel for Atlanta in 2025, as the 5-Stripes have given up nine goals in that stretch, the worst of any 15-minute stretch for the team. Atlanta can’t allow Philadelphia to jump out to an early lead or score right after the break. If the 5-Stripes can control those phases of play and grow into each half of play, they will give themselves the best chance to earn three home points.
