FC Dallas v Atlanta United | Preview

FC Dallas versus Atlanta United Preview

Altanta United defeat Orlando City 4-0 on Saturday June 30, 2018 in front of 71,932 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (photo: Jim Stapp)

Preview

Atlanta United travel to the great state of Texas to face FC Dallas for their first visit to Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. A Fourth of July spectacular with the Supporters’ Shield leaders, unbeaten in their last six, against FC Dallas who is undefeated in nine home matches this season.

Atlanta looks to continue their strong road form this season. THe only loss on the road was the first game of the season in a disasterous performance against Houston. Since the opener they have gone seven unbeaten winning five matches. FC Dallas has yet to lose at home this season going winning five of the nine matches played at Toyota Stadium.

Broadcast Details
TV: FOX Sports South
English Radio: 92-9 The Game (local), Sirius XM FC (national)
Spanish Radio: La Mejor 1600 AM

Pre-match coverage:
7 p.m.: AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope)
7:30 p.m.: The Pre-Game show (92-9 The Game)

Atlanta United

Squad Details

Most of the pregame talk from the Atlanta locker room has been preparing for the tough conditions on the field. With the gametime temprature expected to be in the low 90s, head coach Tata Martino thinks this gives Dallas an advantage. On Tuesday he spoke to reporters after practice saying, “We have to go in there knowing that they’re going to try and take advantage of the difficult climate. If it’s necessary, we can try and take advantage of those pauses if there are things we need to correct.”

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Chris McCann, Romario Williams
• International duty: None
• Injury Report:
  • Out:
    • Greg Garza (torn labrum right shoulder)
    • Darlington Nagbe (right adductor injury)
  • Questionable:
    • Chris McCann (hamstring)

Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1)

• GK: Brad Guzan
• Defenders (4): Franco Escobar, Michael Parkhurst, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Mikey Ambrose
• Defensive Midfielders (2): Jeff Larentowicz, , Julian Gressel
• Attacking Midfielders (3): Hector Villalba, Miguel Almiron, Ezequiel Barco
• Forwards (1): Josef Martinez

FC Dallas

Squad Details

The big news is the transfer of 27 year old midfielder playmaker Mauro Diaz. When the summer transfer window opened, offers started flowing in giving the start an opportunity to earn a contract that is hard to match within the MLS. It is an opportunity that could set him and his family up for life after soccer, and the club felt it was the right move.

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• International duty: None
• Injury Report:
  • • Out:
      • Cristian Colman (high-ankle sprain)
    • Questionable:
      • None

Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3)

• GK: Jesse Gonzalez
• Defenders (4): Reggie Cannon, Matt Hedges, Maynor Figueroa, Reto Ziegler
• Midfielders (3): Kellyn Acosta, Victor Ulloa, Carlos Gruezo
• Forwards (3): Michael Barrios, Maxi Urruti, Roland Lamah

Recent Meetings
Atlanta United 3, FC Dallas 0 (September 10, 2017)