Preview
Atlanta United return home to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to open their season after a humiliating loss on the road against the Houston Dynamo. With lofty expectations brought down to earth, the club looks to rebound at home against a D.C. United team they failed to defeat last year.
The players received a lot of criticism over their lack of energy and intensity last week. Several players spoke out this week in practice about the need to get on track mentally.
Midfielder Chris McCann said, “We lost the first game last year and we went on to have a great season. The manner of the defeat was disappointing to all of us, but we’ll lick our wounds and work hard this week to make it right.”
Jeff Larentowicz was vocal in the importance of focus for the club, “It’s an eastern conference game at home. Whether it’s the second week of the year or the end of the year, those games are always important.” He goes on to point out the history between the clubs, “Whatever happened last year is in the past, they’re a different team and we’re a different team. But the Eastern Conference games are big games and we want to approach it that way.”
Atlanta will mostly likely be without both Ezekiel Barco as well as key center back Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez. Gonzalez-Pirez suffered a hip contusion last week in the loss to the Dynamo. He is a mainstay in the Atlanta backline and only missed two matches last season.
Broadcast Details
TV on MLS Live | ESPN – 3:00 p.m.
Atlanta United
This starting line-up will look a little different this week. If coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino decides to let Gonzalez-Pirez rest and heal, does he start Larentowicz at center back again, or does he give the nod to youngster Miles Robinson. Martino has shown a great deal of confidence in the ability of Larentowicz to defend. However, with the widely commented and discussed exploitation of the mid-field last week in Houston, does he push Larentowicz back up to the mid-field and insert the quicker Robinson?
The Atlanta offense had no issues finding shots last week, they took a total of thirteen. They need to find the finishing touch and convert those shots into goals. Josef Martinez had an excellent opportunity taken away when he was pulled down in the box by the Houston goalie. He looks to get back on track at home where last year he poured in 16 goals at an alarming rate of a goal every 68 minutes.
Squad Details
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- Injury Report:
OUT: Ezequiel Barco (strained right quad); Jon Gallagher (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE: Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez (hip contusion)
Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1)
- GK: Brad Guzan
- Defenders (4): Franco Escobar, Michael Parkhurst, Miles Robinson, Matt Garza
- Holding Midfielders (2): Jeff Larentowicz, Darlington Nagbe
- Attack Midfielders (3): Hector Villalba, Miguel Almiron, Julian Gressel
- Striker (1): Josef Martinez
D.C. United
The big storyline from D.C. United is the return of fan favorite Yamil Asad, who joined D.C. United this season. He was a starter with Atlanta United last season known for his work rate and scoring the first goal in Atlanta United history. Asad spoke of his return, “I hope that they treat me well, with great memories they’ve had of me and the work that I put in. But I also have great memories of those fans just always filling the stadium and being a great fanbase. … I’m always going to have the most respect for their group and their fans.” He spoke to the possibility of scoring against the home team, “I don’t see why I would celebrate a goal there if I was to score. I have great respect for the fans and the people of Atlanta.”
The other big news is Luciano Acosta’s return from suspension. There is some question as to whether he will start or not. Match fitness is an issue after missing part of training camp with a concussion.
Squad Details
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- Injury Report: OUT: M – Russell Canouse (knee), D – Taylor Kemp (groin)
Projected Starting XI
(4-1-4-1)
- GK: David Ousted
- Defenders (4): Oniel Fisher, Steven Birnbaum, Frédéric Brillant, Nick DeLeon
- Holding Midfielders (1): Júnior Moreno
- Attack Midfielders (4): Yamil Asad, Ulises Segura, Zoltán Stieber, Paul Arriola
- Striker (1): Darren Mattocks
Recent Meetings
Wednesday 23 August 2017
RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.
D.C. United 1-0 Atlanta
Wednesday 21 June 2017
RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.
D.C. United 2-1 Atlanta
Sunday 30 April 2017
Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta 1-3 D.C. United
